A 6-metre deep sinkhole has appeared under a quiet cul-de-sac in suburban England.

People living in 17 homes close to the site in Hemel Hempstead, southeast England, have been evacuated as the hole, measuring approximately 11m wide and 6m deep, is investigated.

“The hole, which is in a residential cul-de-sac, has mainly affected the road,” a Hertfordshire Police spokesman said.

“However, 17 properties have been evacuated for the safety of residents in the area.”

Police were told the sinkhole had appeared in the road at 7.30am on Saturday.

Officials from Dacorum Borough Council, specialist structural engineers and utilities companies are also helping to assess the situation.