A schoolboy was surprised when he spotted an unfamiliar landmark on Google Maps.
Rory Chapman, 12, was browsing the internet map for somewhere to walk on his next family outing when he looked over Hilbre Island in West Kirby, Wirral.
While hovering over the coastline he noticed a tourist icon (also known as the camera icon) on Middle Eye with the title 'hole to the centre of the earth'.
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Rory, from Wallasey, told the ECHO: "I have looked at Hilbre Island on the map with my mum when we did geography in lockdown so I knew where it was.
"I have never noticed it before and when I saw it I thought 'wait, what? Did they dig a huge hole on one of the islands? Have they dug out one of the Hilbre Islands?'"
Baffled he asked his dad, Sean, 36, who was equally puzzled by the appearance of the hole to the centre of the earth.
People on Facebook also had no clue as to what the marking could be, and it has since been removed.
One said: "Oooh how intriguing!"
Another said: "Whatever was it's been removed."
A third added: "Maybe there’s a hole to the centre of the earth there. Be careful."
The Hilbre Islands are a unique set of islands that are a local nature reserve within an estuary that is a site of special scientific interest.
Many walk out and explore the uninhabited land and hope to spot a seal or two who frequent the waters off the coast of Wirral.
If you are thinking of venturing out to explore Hilbre Island always check the tide times before you go. You can find them here.
Google was approached for comment.
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