FIRST it was Chinese tourists, but now it seems white road markings have become the latest mystery to hit Kidlington.

Residents have been taking to social media after spotting the symbols on walls and pavements throughout the village.

Their sudden appearance had led people to believe they might be a code made by burglars to let others known which homes would make good targets.

But rather than being the work of criminals, the marks have been revealed as being used by the Bicester branch of running club Hash House Harriers, which uses flour markings to guide its members.

Former master Iain Belton explained the last time the group had run in Kidlington two years, there had also been confusion on social media when the marks appeared.

He said: "We have spoken to the police about this and they have said that burglars would not make those markings.

He added that the group usually run countryside routes which means the markings do not cause such confusion, and that the marks are left after to either decompose or be washed away by rain.

Parish council chairman Maurice Billington confirmed that the police had been contacted two years ago when the marks appeared, and said the symbols were all "above board."

Thames Valley Police declined to comment on the matter.