Families have been moved out of their homes after subsidence caused a hole to open up.

Seven sets of council tenants are being rehomed after the chasm appeared in Northfleet, causing a sewer to fracture.

Residents will be moved into new accommodation after independent experts express fears the hole could be dangerous.

Subsidence appeared on one side of Lawrence Square shops in Coldharbour, causing the sewer to break.

Tenants were offered temporary accommodation but initially refused, despite having to be provided with drinking water because supplies were unfit.

Today, the gas was turned off due to the risk of further damage and the block was deemed to be dangerous.

All tenants have now agreed to be re-housed while works are carried out. But council officials estimate the repairs could take weeks.

Cabinet member for Housing, Cllr Sue Howes said: "We have made every effort to help residents.

"We understand that some did not want to move but given the advice of the experts we cannot allow people to remain in homes that are at risk from potential subsidence and that are now without basic services."

Stories you might have missed

Air ambulance lands after boy hit by car

Diarrhoea dash leads to speeding fine

'Joker' man told to stay away from children in mall

Appeal for calm over dog torture claims