A ROAD closure was in place after a sinkhole opened in Sutton Leach this morning. 

The sinkhole appeared under a minibus, which was on Leach Lane, close to the junctions of Ilfracombe Road and Taunton Avenue, at 8.30am. 

The fire service and police have attended the scene. 

A spokesman from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said that there were three women on the vehicle, a white Ford Transit minibus, and that no injuries had been sustained.

He said: "We sent two fire engines and the search and rescue team. 

"A sinkhole has opened up on the road and a minibus has gone into it."

United Utilities were also on the scene.

Leach Lane was closed following the incident.

St Helens Council confirmed the road has now been reopened, with four-way temporary lanes as repairs take place.