Beccles town centre is closed off this morning after a large hole opened up in the street.
The hole, which is about 10 feet long, has opened up outside Pennington Opticians in Blyburgate.
The pavement has collapsed into the cellar of the building leaving a gaping hole at the front of the shop.
A Suffolk Police spokesman said the hole was reported shortly before 5am today, and heavy rain overnight has been suggested locally as a possible cause.
Structural engineers are expected to attend in the next hour.
Police have cordoned off the road and diversions are in place.
The police spokesman said Suffolk County Council and the gas board have been informed.
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