Scientists say a crater in Latvia thought to have been caused by a meteorite was a hoax.
Experts in the Baltic country rushed to the site after reports that a metorite-like object had crashed in the Mazsalaca region near the Estonian border.
But after examining the site, Uldis Nulle, a scientist at the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, said: "This is not a real crater. It is artificial."
Earlier, he said he believed the 27ft and 9ft deep crater might have been caused by a meteorite, reports Sky News.
He said: "My first impression is yes, it was a meteorite. All the evidence suggests this when compared to pictures of real meteorite craters."
However, geologist Dainis Ozols had already cast doubt on the meteorite theory after examining the hole.
When the crater was found, with burning material at the bottom, worried residents called emergency services.
Dramatic video posted online showed onlookers walking towards the edge of the crater and gasping as they saw the fire burning at its center.
The rim of the crater was raised a little and there was a black-grey scar at the bottom which indicated a meteor strike.
State police cordoned off the hole to deter souvenir hunters.
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'Meteorite crater' - a hoax
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'METEORITE CRATER' - A HOAX
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