PEOPLE are being urged to stay away from a park's football pitch 'for the foreseeable future' after a hole appeared. 

Investigations are now underway at the pitch in Harold Park, Low Moor, Bradford Council said on Wednesday evening. 

A 7m2 area has been fenced off as the Coal Authority undertakes investigations into the cause of the small sinkhole.

A Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately a hole has appeared in the middle of the football pitch.

"We are supporting the Coal Authority to undertake exploratory works to ascertain the cause and remedy the issue.

“Every precaution has been taken to ensure that the area is safe and secure and not accessible by residents.

“Football matches due to take place have been re-arranged at different locations and organisers informed.

“We are asking that everyone stays away from the football pitch area of Harold Park as heavy plant machinery needs access to the fenced-off site.”

A Coal Authority spokesperson added: "On the 26th of March the Coal Authority was made aware of a suspected ground collapse on a football pitch off Park Road in the Low Moor area of Bradford.

"To ensure the safety of the public we have secured the site and will carry out investigations to determine the cause of the incident.

"We would ask members of the public not to enter the area of the collapse or interfere with the fencing that is in place.

"If anyone has concerns about the security of the site, they can contact the Coal Authority’s 24/7 Hazard Line on 0800 288 4242.”