A busy road in the centre of Darlington has been closed this morning (Thursday, August 3) with a diversion in place after a sinkhole appeared.

Darlington Borough Council have this morning cordoned off Crown Street in Darlington after a sinkhole appeared outside the Sports Direct store.

Council workers have been pictured at the site that has been blocked off to motorists, with signs diverting traffic along Preistgate.

Read more: Concern as Darlington hotel plans to stay open until 2am

The Northern Echo: Road cordoned off after the sinkhole in Darlington.

AA Traffic Maps show that the closure is already creating long delays as traffic wraps around Tubwell Row up towards Feethams.

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The Northern Echo: Traffic in Darlington around Crown Street.Traffic in Darlington around Crown Street. (Image: AA TRAFFIC)

Whilst it is unclear precisely when the hole appeared and how long the road will be closed, work is already ongoing at the site to fix the issue.

The Northern Echo: Road cordoned off after the sinkhole in Darlington.Road cordoned off after the sinkhole in Darlington. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo has contacted Darlington Borough Council for more information.

A council spokesperson said: “The sink hole appeared last night (August 2), and the road was closed for safety reasons; our teams are on site carrying out investigations.”