Residents near a 20-foot sinkhole may need to be evacuated from their homes as it gets larger

The road in Bexleyheath has been cordoned off by police after a motorcyclist almost fell into it – residents described the road cracking and collapsing around them

Shocked local residents today described the “exciting but frightening” moment when a gigantic sinkhole swallowed up part of a road in south-east London.

The residential street in Bexleyheath was cordoned off by police around 9.30pm last night after locals described that the area – which runs the full width of the street – was cracking and collapsing around them.

Darren, who chose not to give his last name, described the moment a motorcyclist had a “lucky escape” after his bike fell in the sinkhole.

He told the PA news agency: “It happened right outside my house and luckily as far as I know no one was hurt but the person on the bike got away with a lucky escape.”

Darren continued: “He left the scene before the emergency services arrived.

“It was quite exciting but also scary to be told that we may have to evacuate as things progress.

“The road is still closed, emergency services have now left and only Thames Water services remain.”

Liam Edwards, 25, who lives on Leysdown Avenue, said he heard a “massive bang” as parts of his neighboring street collapsed.

Mr Edwards told PA: “I live across the street and heard a massive bang.

“I saw there was a motorbike in it and I spoke to one of the neighbors right next to it and[he said]he had moved his van just five minutes earlier or that would have been in the hole too.”

He added: “No one was hurt, although it was a frightening experience for those living across from them.

“The whole place now has no police presence, but you couldn’t approach it if you tried.”

The road remained closed to traffic and pedestrians for much of today.