Breaking News: Giant Hole Swallows Shropshire Canal, Emergency Response Underway

A major incident has been declared at the Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire, after a giant hole emerged, leaving two narrowboats stranded in the cavity. The incident occurred at approximately 04:00 GMT.

Fifty firefighters have been deployed to the scene, with no reports of casualties, according to police. Engineers from the Canal and River Trust have confirmed that the collapse of an embankment caused the water to rush into a nearby field, resulting in a trench-like hole.

The Canal and River Trust has disputed earlier descriptions of a "sinkhole", stating that the incident is an "embankment failure". Engineers are still investigating the cause of the collapse.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service's Area Manager Scott Hurford is on the scene, coordinating the emergency response. The incident is ongoing, with ongoing efforts to rescue the stranded boats and assess the damage.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.