Mystery as new monolith appears in Sheffield on New Year's Day

Walkers stretching their legs on New Year’s Day were shocked to discover the strange mirrored pillar which had popped up overnight in Parkwood Springs, close to the city centre.

It is one of the most recent in a series of similar monoliths that have appeared around the world without warning or explanation since early November.

Starting with a steel structure in a remote area of the American state of Utah, they have now cropped up everywhere from the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury Tor to Belgium, Romania and even Australia.

The Sheffield structure, which is reportedly around seven feet tall, was spotted by dog walker Cameron Gregory who lives nearby.

He said: “I thought it was a bit of a joke really, just likely someone trying to copy whats been happening. It’s a bit of fun though regardless.

"It’s fairly tall, got to be going on for six and half or seven foot. It’s certainly taller than me.”

Karrie Sutton visited the Sheffield sculpture with her family after hearing of the phenomenon on social media.

She said: “After seeing posts about the monolith yesterday we went for an explore this afternoon and its real! There were plenty of people there taking photos. Plus we bumped into a member of The Friends of Parkwood who said it was great as it had brought lots of visitors.

"Nice to see something has put a much needed smile on the faces of Sheffield folk.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.