Residents flee as enormous sinkhole opens up in front of brand new homes

Fifty people had to flee their brand new homes after an enormous sinkhole opened up outside their front doors. Residents of the housing development were shocked to open their front doors to discover the deep hole which measures about 25sq metres. London Fire Brigade cordoned off the area as a 'hazard zone' - while officers evacuated people - allowing authorities to look into the cause, which is currently unknown. A total of 40 properties were evacuated, with overnight accommodation provided for those affected. Today though some residents are facing a second night unable to return home as the cause remains a mystery.
The incident at the Hexagon Housing development happened at around 1.45pm on bank holiday Monday lunchtime in Plumstead, south east London.
"What caused the five by five metres hole is as yet unknown but as a precaution, a hazard zone of a 25m was put in place and nearby homes evacuated."
Structural engineers are currently assessing the damage, while the site itself is currently being protected by local police.