Melbourne, Dec 23 (ANI): A mysterious smell that forced people across two Top End neighbourhoods to call the police may have emanated from an Unidentified Smelly Object (USO), according to an Australian politician.

After the people woke up to the stench, various theories about its possible source started doing the rounds.

Some said sewage was the source, while others blamed it on the exhaust fumes of an alien spaceship.

“We’ve had plenty of UFOs around here…This is a USO - Unidentified Smelly Object,” the Northern Territory News quoted independent politician Gerry Wood, as saying.

Keith Risk, 47, of Howard Springs, said he woke up at about 3am due to the bad odour.

“It was overpowering…. Like gas or rotten eggs. I drove around nearby streets and could still smell it,” Risk said.

He added: “The stink went on for kilometres.”

Risk pointed out that sewage, gas or even flowering trees could have caused the smell.

Gina Francis, 41, of Marlow Lagoon, Palmerston, said: “I thought it might be a gas leak and was worried.”

Hubby Rod thought a chemical spill had taken place somewhere.

However, cops denied any such happening.

Firemen also ruled out any gas leaks.

Litchfield Shire Council president Mary Walshe believed that pong was a result of an accident in a secret amphetamine laboratory.

But according to police “clan labs” always smelt.

An officer said: “That’s why they are set up in remote areas…But the smell only goes for a property or two.” (ANI)