This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-33378065

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Exmouth beach cordoned off as large mystery hole appears Exmouth beach cordoned off as large mystery hole appears
(about 3 hours later)
A large mystery hole has appeared at Exmouth beach forcing a section to be closed to the public. A large mystery hole which spurted "big plumes of water" and sent plants and snails shooting into the air has appeared on a beach.
The coastguard cordoned off the hole which was about 15ft (4.6m) by 15ft and filled with water at about 13:00 BST on 2 July. The coastguard at Exmouth beach cordoned off the 15ft (4.6m) by 15ft hole on Thursday afternoon.
The coastguard reported the surrounding sand at the Orecombe Point area was soft and fresh holes were appearing. The hole, which was "bubbling" with water, has since been filled in by the incoming tide.
It is thought there could be a chamber underneath the hole of a depth of about 10ft (3m) to 15ft (4.6m). East Devon District Council said it was trying to find out what caused the hole and a cordon remains at Orcombe Point.
East Devon District Council is currently investigating what caused the hole to appear but added it was a "mystery" at the moment. When the coastguard team arrived they said the surrounding sand was soft and fresh holes were appearing.
Beach users are being advised to avoid the area and not to enter the cordon. Kite surf instructor James Dart said: "I looked over and there were big plumes of water coming out of the beach it was all bubbling up much like a geyser, it was probably going about a foot above the beach - it was quite tremendous sight.
"I got closer and saw plant matter coming up a few snails coming out too. It was something to spice things up in the rain."
'Bit of a mystery'
It is thought there could have been a chamber underneath the hole, about 10ft (3m) to 15ft (4.6m) deep.
Council officials said engineers would "continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and between tides".
They added: "The beach is very popular with dog walkers and bathers who are being advised to avoid the cordoned off area.
"Heavy rain yesterday may be the cause of the hole - a natural phenomena - to have opened up, but is still a bit of a mystery."