Dog owners have been left concerned after their pets have reportedly been going "straight under" water in a mystery hole in a park.

The area in Ditchling Recreation Ground, Lewes Road is now being investigated by Ditchling Parish Council.

One resident said that two dogs had jumped into the water believing it was a puddle but instead were completely submerged.

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Both dogs are believed to have been unharmed.

Ditchling Parish Clerk said on Facebook: "Investigations are continuing as to the cause and how this situation can be resolved.

"In the meantime, please take care with pets and children when using the recreation ground."

Residents have expressed various possibilities about what the hole could be.

While some park users think it could be a "sinkhole", others have said online that it could be a collapsed sewer.

This was reported to have happened a few times in previous years.

A spokesman for Ditchling Parish Council has been approached for further comment.