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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Robert Fairnie

GCHQ brain-teasing puzzle used to test spies is released to the public, but can you solve it?

An incredibly difficult brain-teaser, released by intelligence firm GCHQ, has people across the country scratching their heads and caused a whole of debate between team Edinburgh Live.

The Christmas puzzle asks problem solvers to complete a series of nine sequences before plotting their answers on a white and gold bauble to reveal a secret hidden message.

The teaser was sent by Director Jeremy Fleming to colleagues across the world for them to attempt, however it's now been shared with the general public.

A GCHQ spokesperson said: “Problem solving is at the heart of what we do.

"Taking on this Christmas cracker gives puzzlers an insight into the skills you need to be a GCHQ analyst.

“Bring together a mix of minds by sharing it with the wise men and women in your household to find the solution.”

You can give the puzzle a go below.

GCHQ set weekly puzzles on their social media channels, and they are expected to reveal the answer to this latest teaser on Twitter and Instagram shortly after Christmas.

Let us know in the comments if you manage to solve this one - we're yet to!

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