A six-metre-deep sinkhole which has opened up in a resident's back garden has brought back memories of similar gaping holes in Oxford.

The sinkhole, which has been discovered in Beaconsfield this afternoon (April 19), is a reminder of when a Jericho resident was left "afraid to go to sleep at night". 

Melissa Alden was alerted to the sinkhole on St Bernard's Road back in October 2020 when a police officer was banging on her door. 

READ MORE: Sinkhole under Oxford party shop terrifies family next door

She was told her house needed to be evacuated immediately. 

The sinkhole appeared outside the Frog Orange shop which is now listed for sale on property website Zoopla. 

Oxford Mail: Melissa Alden next to the sinkhole in 2020Melissa Alden next to the sinkhole in 2020
Mrs Alden told the Oxford Mail at the time that she was worried the whole building would collapse as a result of the sinkhole.

She said: “It’s a nightmare.

“I am scared to go to bed tonight because we are attached."

Another sinkhole appeared on the A34 between the Botley and Hinksey roundabouts back in September 2022. 

This caused the major route to be closed overnight with the extent of the sinkhole illustrated by our archive picture below.

Oxford Mail: The A34 was closed as a result of this sinkholeThe A34 was closed as a result of this sinkhole

An investigation has also been taking place this month regarding a sinkhole on Manor Road in South Hinksey.

This investigation was shown to be 'inconclusive' however after parish councillors discussed the issue during a meeting on Monday, April 3. 

The road was immediately closed the next day.

Oxford Mail: This sinkhole appeared in South Hinksey This sinkhole appeared in South Hinksey (Image: Adrian Porter)

This week's sinkhole in Beaconsfield, which opened up near the backdoor of the residential property, has been described as "very unsafe".

The youngest living at the property in question is six years old.

Bucks Fire and Rescue were called to the sinkhole.