Sinkhole opens up on British street trapping residents

A sinkhole that opened up overnight is causing travel chaos for residents. Photo / Sky News

A massive sinkhole has opened up on a British street, forcing the evacuation of several families from their homes in the night.

The 10-metre-deep hole, measuring 20 metres in diametre opened up on Fontmell Close in St Albans, 40 kilometres northwest of London.

Residents are said to have heard a crash before the Sinkhole appeared, the BBC reported.

Electricity, water and gas have been cut to homes.

The sinkhole is also causing a number of issues for commuters.

It has been reported that residents in the road have had their vehicles blocked in.

Julie Langford, who lives on the street, told Sky News she had been unable to take her car out of the driveway to head to work.

"I can't walk to work - I have an hour's commute in the morning. The children can walk to school, but when you're a mum with four children it's not easy."

Ms Langford has been warned it could take weeks - possibly months - before the road is fully repaired.

A spokesman for the fire service said it was previously aware of a small hole that was due to be filled in.