Mystery over lights in sky

Strong light beams seen searching the Wanganui night sky on Monday remain a mystery - for now.

Witnesses spoken to by the Chronicle yesterday all agreed the lights appeared to emanate from the ground searching skyward rather than random-moving beams usually associated with UFOs.

Wanganui East resident Judy Crow said she and her family spotted the light beams about 8pm and they appeared to come from the coast near the Wanganui Airport or even from as far south as Ohakea Airforce Base near Bulls.

"The beams appeared like very large and strong spotlights searching the night sky.

"They criss-crossed around the sky and rotated up and down and even sideways," Ms Crow said.