Australia investigates mysterious space balls washed ashore.

Authorities in Australia are investigating the origins of mysterious large silver spheres that washed up on a north Queensland beach this weekend.

Six solid objects found at Forest Beach, north of Townsville, are believed to be space debris and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) is now trying to determine where they came from. The BBC has contacted the agency for comment.

Workers in protective suits were reportedly seen placing the globes in hazmat barrels under police guard, fearing they might contain hazardous substances.

The Queensland Fire Service said on Sunday a 50m exclusion zone was in place and urged anyone who found anything suspicious in the area not to touch it.

He said members of the public who encountered it should immediately leave the place and call the emergency services.

There has been some speculation online that the spheres are fuel tanks for spacecraft and may contain highly flammable or reactive material.

But it was not clear from which vehicle or its owner.