RESIDENTS have been warned not to move traffic cones in order to bypass works to repair a sinkhole in Colchester.

Essex Police closed Beaconsfield Avenue at around 6pm on Sunday after noticing the sinkhole in the carriageway.

The road was shut from Maldon Road to Le Cateau Road and drivers were advised to find alternative routes.

Essex Highways engineers were called in to investigate.

A spokesman said: “Our emergency crew made the area safe and have started investigations to find out the extent of the issues underground and the cause of the hole.

“We understand that the cones and barriers were moved at one point to allow people to drive past more easily – may we absolutely insist that members of the public do not move any barriers themselves.

"We will work to fix the problem and repair the road as quickly as possible.”