Mysterious monolith appears in the middle of Nevada desert and people are baffled

People across the globe have been left mystified after a mysterious monolith appeared in the middle of the Nevada desert.

Standing alone in the sweltering Las Vegas heat, the metallic structure has been reflecting sunlight from the top of a hill, capturing the attention of locals.

Shortly after its discovery, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMP) took to social media, writing: "We see a lot of weird things when people go hiking like not being prepared for the weather, not bringing enough water... but check this out!

"Over the weekend, Las Vegas Metro Search and Rescue spotted this mysterious monolith near Gass Peak north of the valley. HOW did it get up there??"

The cops have put the onus on the internet to bust the mystery, and it hasn't taken long for conspiracy theorists to attempt to crack the code.

Police shared an announcement of the discovery on social media. (Facebook/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

Commenting on LVMPs Facebook post, one wary internet user said: "I've been hearing that monoliths have been popping [up] around the world lately. Aliens landing in Vegas resident's backyard & being covered up by the government.

"Space Force have been recruiting for space military. It doesn't surprise me that ET wants to phone home."

The user was referencing the unearthly visit which a Las Vegas family believe to have encountered in April last year, with footage they believe backs up their claims.

Also quoting their encounter was another Facebook user, who said: "Near by the house that last year there were aliens and the police could not see them."

So could a UFO have beamed this monolith down? One commenter believes it's a possibility, writing: "Harvard is saying that aliens could already be living amongst us."

It comes four years on from the hype which saw as many as 23 monoliths appear around the globe, with many believing they were erected by pranksters.

The cops have called on the internet to uncover the truth of how it got there. (Facebook/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

One person even jokingly claimed to take responsibility for the monolith, writing: "I tried to make sure it matches the surrounding area. Whatever you do, please do not touch it. I don’t want to go back up there and wipe the smudges off. Thanks ahead of time."

One person referenced the popular 2009 comedy movie Land of the Lost when responding to news of the monolith, which stars Will Ferrell and Danny McBride.

She said: "I've seen this before, it was on the documentary land of the lost - touch it and you can sing."

Joking aside, the police urged residents to be safe when hiking by using the 'TRAIL' acronym:

T - ell someone where you intend to hike or climb and when you are expecting to return home

R - esearch the weather forecast for the area before you go

A - id and additional food and water - bring plenty of water, food, and a first aid kit

I - nclement weather gear and minimal overnight provisions

L - ight: Bring a light source, a completely charged phone and consider getting a personal locator beacon (PLB).