This is the terrifying moment a huge sinkhole swallowed a football field built over a limestone mine in Illinois.

CCTV footage shows the ground caving in and the chasm rapidly expanding at the Gordon Moore Park in Alton on June 26.

The massive hole swallowed a light pole, benches, and a 100ft stretch of the pitch where children often play.

Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes said no one was on the field at the time.

He said: 'I can't imagine if there were a bunch of people out here. We're fortunate.

'It looks like something out of a movie, right? It looks like a bomb went off.'

In response to the incident, Gordon Moore Park and the adjacent Spencer T Olin Golf Course have been closed indefinitely.

Officials said the sinkhole was caused by the collapse of a limestone mine owned by New Frontier Materials situated under the park.

The company's spokesperson, Matt Barkett, said in a statement: 'The impacted area has been secured and will remain off limits for the foreseeable future while inspectors and experts examine the mine and conduct repairs.

'Safety is our top priority. We will work with the city to remediate this issue as quickly and safely as possible to ensure minimal impact on the community.'