Traffic island on the 'brink of collapse' after water main leak

A traffic island in Birmingham could be on the brink of collapsing as a burst water main continues to wreak havoc.

Gallons of water has emerged from a broken underground pipe in Selly Oak since the leak began at around 12pm (midday.)

Emergency services have warned Harborne Lane Island could be swallowed up by a large sinkhole.

The roundabout near Queen Elizabeth Hospital is understood to be at risk of collapsing into the ground.

The site was cordoned off to motorists earlier around 2pm.

Pedestrians have also now been warned to leave the immediate area.

An initial police cordon has been extended around the island due to fears of the collapse.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area.

Meanwhile the flooding forced one nearby street light to collapse on its side.

Severn Trent has warned that even in the best case scenario it could take two days to repair the damage.

There are early reports that ambulances are having to take alternative routes to avoid the resulting traffic around Queen Elizabeth hospital.