Commuters, shoppers and business owners across Birmingham were left scratching their heads this morning after reports emerged of giant athletics equipment appearing at some of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
The first calls came shortly after 8am, when pedestrians reported a shot put the size of a family car rolling into Centenary Square before coming to rest outside the Library of Birmingham.
"It made an enormous bang," said one office worker.
"I thought it was roadworks until I looked up and realised roadworks don't usually involve a shot put the size of a small house."
Within the hour, attention turned to Victoria Square, where a giant javelin was reportedly found embedded in the ground outside Birmingham Town Hall.
One visitor admitted they initially assumed it was a new public art installation.
"It's Birmingham. You don't want to question it too quickly."
Meanwhile, people walking along the city's famous canals described seeing an enormous hammer splash into the water, sending ripples beneath a narrowboat and drawing puzzled crowds to the towpath.
"We've seen bikes, shopping trolleys and the odd traffic cone," laughed one canal regular.
"But never a giant hammer."
The biggest talking point, however, came from the Bullring, where dozens of shoppers claimed to have watched a giant discus glide past Selfridges before coming to rest perfectly on top of the Rotunda.
"It genuinely looked like the Rotunda had decided to wear a hat," one witness said.
A spokesperson for Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships confirmed they had received a number of enquiries regarding "unusually large sporting equipment", dotted around the city.
Local experts have been unable to explain how athletics implements, normally confined to a stadium, apparently found their way into Birmingham city centre.
However, the mysterious appearances coincide with preparations for the 2026 European Athletics Championships, which commence a week today, bringing more than 1,500 of Europe's finest athletes to the city.
While officials have stopped short of confirming exactly what residents have witnessed, they have encouraged people to "keep an eye on the Alexander Stadium over the coming weeks."
The 2026 European Athletics Championships will take place in Birmingham from 10-16 August, welcoming Europe's greatest athletes for seven days of world-class competition.
Any unusually large sporting equipment spotted around the city should be photographed and shared responsibly.
Don't miss the action
Tickets for the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026 start from £13 for adults and £8 for juniors under 16.
