People in Liverpool were forced to flee their homes last night after a huge sinkhole opened up.

Large parts of the city was plunged into darkness from a power cut and a burst water main caused serious flooding and left homes without cold water.

A 20ft long section of busy Green Lane, in the Old Swan neighbourhood, collapsed at around 10.30pm on Friday.

The road is expected to stay closed for two weeks and engineers were pictured assessing the damage this morning.

Both the power outage – affecting residents in L1, L3, L5, L6, L7 & L9 areas – and the sinkhole may been caused by the ruptured water main on nearby Prescot Road.

One local said she watched the road ‘crack’ outside her bedroom window. She added: ‘It was the most scary thing I’ve ever experienced.’

Water company United Utilities said the supply issue has been resolved, but customers ‘may notice some discolouration’ before sediment settles down.

Apologising for the disruption, a spokesperson said: ‘Repair work will be getting under way today, and the road will need to stay closed for at least two weeks.’

Merseyside Fire and Rescue said the sinkhole measured 15×20 feet and caused flooding to ‘several’ nearby homes.

They said: ‘The incident has generated running water which is affecting the junction of Prescot Road 500 metres west and Green Lane 100 metres north.

‘The suspected cause is a ruptured water main but this is not yet confirmed.

‘Crews are working to restrict the flow of water and utilities companies are in attendance. Residents nearby and the public should avoid the area, as should any motorists.’

Bus operators Arriva North West and Mersey Travel have announced diversions as a result of the incident.

A man said he returned home to find ‘water gushing everywhere’. He told Liverpool Echo: ‘It’s just crazy, I’ve never seen anything like it.’

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