The messages of "help" have been seen tens of millions of times after images from Google Earth were shared on social media platform X/Twitter sparking concern online

The LAPD Central Division also responded to a social media user who took it upon himself to investigate, assuring that there was no immediate cause for alarm. "We’ve had several

The mystery behind viral satellite images showing the word "HELP" in an empty downtown Los Angeles lot has been solved. The words have been appearing for more than a year.

After the department responded to an 'unknown trouble' call near Mission Road and the 101 Freeway on Sunday (26 January), a spokesperson said: "Upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of any criminal activity or threat in the area."

Viral images have a way of shaping people's perception of things even in the face of other information. A narrative can easily form without context or

🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: This disturbing message was spotted on Google Maps in Los Angeles, California, with the words “Help” and “Traffico” written in the debris, surrounded by shipping containers. It has been confirmed that the lot next to this location is a shipping yard which has… pic.twitter.com/swvBnSogXu

Mysterious ‘HELP’ and ‘TRÁFFICO’ signs that are visible on Google Earth are causing concern in downtown Los Angeles. Satellite imagery shows the lettering constructed from old pipes and wood chunks near rows of shipping containers.

Social media users have noted satellite imagery showing the words "HELP" and "TRAFICO" etched into the ground at a rail yard in Los Angeles.

Messages reading ‘HELP’ and ‘TRAFICO’ in an LA rail yard spotted on Google Maps cause social media buzz (Google Maps)

Google Maps is very helpful with providing directions, but it has also proven to be a wealth of strange and interesting images. From UFO crashes on deserted islands to invisible men running away to creepy killer clowns to cheaters caught in the act to demons or aliens to petty neighbors,