A MOTORIST had a miracle escape after driving their car into a sinkhole - which opened on a suburban street.

The massive hole appeared in the early hours as Storm Ciara raged.

Pictures from the bizarre incident on Hatch Road in Brentwood, Essex shows what appears to be a Toyota nose first in the huge hole. Emergency services can also be seen at the scene.

Local Ollie Watson, 50, stumbled upon the dramatic scene outside his house at around 2:30am.

He said he didn't hear the crash - which happened a few doors down - and only went to investigate after his daughter mentioned a disturbance outside.

He said: "I thought it was a road accident at first. We didn't hear it. Our daughter heard a bit of a commotion.

"We then thought that the fire brigade had cut the car in half - but it was actually just sticking out of the hole.

"It's very unusual. My neighbours were out there, and a few people from across the road.

"I imagine that it will sit there for a while. They must be worried about more sinking, I suppose.

"I had to be let through the cordon to go to work."