MYSTERIOUS lights were spotted above Southampton last night - but what could they be?

Over the past 24 hours, speculation has been rife on social media after the strange lights were seen on the evening of Friday, January 21 by a handful of residents.

Those living in Bursledon, West End, Thornhill, Weston and elsewhere were dumbfounded by the lights, with the cause currently unknown.

The Daily Echo has seen and received many videos and suggestions, with some believing it might have been a UFO, while others said it was probably for an event at the Ageas Bowl or, a popular suggestion, St Mary's Stadium.

One Weston resident is hoping "it was aliens."

He told the Echo: "I was hoping it was aliens when I saw it. In the picture I took, it looks like there is something in the middle.

Daily Echo: The lights as seen above WestonThe lights as seen above Weston

"I'm hoping it was an alien or an asteroid, and I'm hoping that it's missed us."

Alternative suggestions from Southampton residents include that the lights were coming from the docks, a projection of some sort, or, simply put, aliens.

Southampton FC has been contacted to ask whether the lights were from St Mary's Stadium.

Where do you think the lights came from?