SUGGESTIONS from across the globe have flooded in to help solve the mystery behind "bizarre ritual" findings.

Last week, News Shopper revealed how a restoration group was baffled by the discovery of 12 coconuts, 12 nails and a package of lentils in a derelict canal.

The items were all wrapped in a black cloth.

Members of the Thames and Medway Canal Association, who are restoring the canal, heard the items could be something to do with people carrying out rituals set by gurus and witch doctors.

The group is keen to understand the significance of the unusual discovery.

A wide range of responses, from as far afield as the United States, have flooded into News Shopper.

But so far there has been no definite answer.

Cosette Paneque says there have been many similar discoveries in her home town of Miami, which are evidence of religions which have their roots in African paganism, such as voodoo.

US resident Maureen Pattarelli says she has attended ceremonies given by Nigerian priests where nails and coconuts are given as "offerings".

And Swanscombe and Greenhithe Parish Council chairman Tim Carrington says he has found regular evidence of rituals while walking along the Thames foreshore.

Mr Carrington has stumbled across coconuts, with various other items, five times.

He said: "I believe the vast majority of these coconut offerings can be easily explained by our Indian community, perhaps those of Sikh or Hindu persuasion.

"You will often see coconuts in Hindu religious pictures where it is perhaps a symbol of fertility."

But John Crowther, who emailed News Shopper, joked: "There could be another reason.

"Someone has lost their bag of bits they use for their coconut shy.

"Each coconut sits on a bed of lentils and might be held in place with a nail."

EVIDENCE OF RITUALS?

JUNK or offerings? Mr Carrington has found the following evidence of rituals along the Thames foreshore.

A coconut with a bottle of ghee, clarified butter used in Indian cooking, wrapped in a supermarket bag.

A coconut with curry flavoured crisps again wrapped in a supermarket bag.

A coconut with laurel leaves and fruit wrapped in a supermarket bag.

Coconuts wrapped in the type of material used for making a sari with coins, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, a ball of black hair, screws, and mung and kidney beans.

Coconuts wrapped in red wool.