A COLLAPSED wall on a city road has revealed a secret tunnel hidden from sight for decades.

The entrance to what is believed to be an ice house was uncovered after the wall fell in Lansdowne Crescent.

Police cordoned off the road between Lansdowne Road and Rainbow Hill last night (Thursday) and it remains closed.

The entrance behind the wall is a brick alcove with a path that leads downwards towards a large, deep hole.

READ MORE: Lansdowne Crescent still closed after wall collapse

Worcestershire County Council Highways and Travel workers clearing the road believe the clearing could be an ice house.

Ice houses were buildings used typically for storing ice situated partly or wholly underground before refrigerators were invented.

The ice was used to store food and it is thought that the ice house on Lansdowne Crescent may have stored anchovies for Lea & Perrins.

However, this has not been confirmed.

Paul Harding, local historian with Discover History, also guessed that the structure was an ice house.

He said: "I noticed the clearing and was intrigued. It's a well-made structure made from brick.

"It's from the Victorian era or later by the look of it. It looks like the entrance to an ice house."

READ MORE: Lansdowne Crescent closed after fallen wall blocks road

At 7.30pm yesterday, police were called to the scene, and Worcestershire Highways were informed of the wall collapsing.

The wall crushed a street light and badly damaged road signs.

No one was injured, and no damage was caused to any parked vehicles.

Drivers were urged to use an alternative route, and the clear-up of the road is ongoing.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire Highways manager, said: "We are clearing the rubble today from where the wall has fallen down. 

"The street light is still connected and still live, so the power company is here to disconnect it and make it safe.

"By the end of the day, this should all be safe and cleared. We will get some barriers in to make sure the opening is safe and ensure nothing else is at risk of collapse."

"After that, we should be able to get the road back open".

The homeowner was not available when a Worcester News reporter visited earlier today (Friday).