A METALLIC monolith which appeared in a flooded Oxford park on New Year’s Day has vanished without a trace.
The arrival of the pillar at Oatlands Recreation Ground, West Oxford, sparked speculation over its origins with some even hinting at alien involvement.
Similar structures have been reported around the world since the first sprung up in the Utah desert in November.
Monoliths have cropped up everywhere from the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury to Romania and Australia, with a gingerbread version discovered in San Francisco before Christmas.
Read again: Is it aliens? Mystery over monolith in city park
Another New Year monolith was reported on the downs in neighbouring Wiltshire.
After the arrival of the ‘Oatlands obelisk’ was reported by the Oxford Mail, it received national media coverage, further fuelling debate over its meaning and how it had been installed in deep water.
However, the column has now disappeared without a trace.
'Alien technology'
Writer and DJ Dominic Utton, from West Oxford, was among the first to spot the monolith, quipping on its appearance: “I reckon the only rational explanation is that it’s definitely alien technology.”
After noticing its absence, he said: “It seems to have gone just as mysteriously as it appeared.
“On Saturday people were still taking pictures of it, but the following morning it just wasn’t there any more.
“There’s no clue as to what happened to it, or who – or what – was behind it in the first place. Did somebody steal it? Has it fallen over in the flood water? Or was it simply too beautiful for this world?
“Obviously it’s a shame it’s gone, but I can’t help thinking of the words of Stone Roses singer Ian Brown when that band split up: don’t be sad because it’s over, be happy because it happened.”
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UFO enthusiast Ed Daniels from north Oxford said it was unlikely the object had extraterrestrial origins but praised the individuals who installed it saying: “Whoever did it gave us all a laugh and smile over a very dull and depressing New Year weekend. Thanks.”
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