A famous photograph of an 'alien' on Ilkley Moor is being reinvestigated using computer enhancement.

The photo, taken in 1987 by a former policeman, Philip Spencer, is widely regarded as some of the strongest pieces of photographic evidence that extra-terrestrial beings are visiting Earth.

It is being re-examined by Wharfedale UFO expert Nigel Mortimer.

Mr Mortimer said that using the computer techniques, there was some change in the appearance of the figure in the photograph, which seems to have pointed ears and strange, big eyes."

He said that he and colleagues would soon be completing an analysis of the photograph, along with witness reports at the time of the phenomenon.

Mr Spencer's strange picture was snapped near the historic White Wells Cottage.

Mr Mortimer said: "I have been trying to do this analysis for years. We are also trying to get other people involved and will look at the evidence properly.

"It isn't just this photo - there have been reports of other phenomena in that area for years.

Mr Mortimer said he had an open mind about the authenticity of individual phenomena, but was particularly interested in Ilkley and Wharfedale because of the area's history of strange happenings.

"We are trying to prove that there is genuine phenomena out there that needs investigating," he said.

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