A Loch Ness Monster-type creature was snapped in a South London lake this week - leaving residents stunned.
Wimbledon Park Lake is a thriving wildlife spot with various species of bats, birds, fish, invertebrates, and the European eel found in the area, according to local conservation group Friends of Wimbledon Park.
The team regard the lake as an "important habitat for a diversity of wildlife" - however they never expected it to be home to London's very own "Nessie".
According to MyLondon, the curious creature was spotted in the water on January 20, sparking rumours amongst shocked locals.
One park visitor was even able to get a photograph of the apparent monster, posting it to Facebook along with the caption: "Nessie in Wimbledon Park Lake."
The photo taken at dawn captured an eerily familiar image, with what appeared to be the silhouette of the infamous humped back and long neck of the notorious Loch Ness monster emerging from the water.
But despite the likeness, the photo was taken a long way from the Scottish Highlands - in an urban lake in Merton.
"My goodness" exclaimed one shocked Londoner when they caught sight of the photo.
"Monster," declared someone else.
One Scottish resident, who seemed particularly pleased with the sighting, wrote: "On behalf of all Invernessians living in London, I can confirm that we endorse this message."
Following the publication of the first famous image in the Scottish press in 1934, the legend of the Loch Ness monster gained traction and attracted a whole host of theories.
The apparent sighting was plagued with claims that it was in fact a hoax, a doctored photograph, or other theories of the widespread misidentification of mundane objects.
Londoners have been offering their own similar theories about the Wimbledon Park sighting.
"That's an escaped elephant," commented one person, adding, "Anyone missing any?"
Other Londoners suggested the image must be "another dumped Boris bike" or else a "shopping trolley".
"F****** wild swimmers!" was one person's theory.
"They’re everywhere these days," someone added.
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