Pokemon Go: Fibreglass Pikachu statue sparks mystery in New Orleans

Fans flock to #Pokemonument in park as questions swirl about who is behind pop-up tribute

A giant Pikachu appeared in Coliseum Square, New Orleans, at the weekend (Coliseum Square Association)

No-one knows where it came from or how it got there.

But after populating the world with virtual characters, Pokemon Go took on a physical form at the weekend in New Orleans, when a fibreglass statue of Pikachu appeared in a disused fountain.

He stands with his arms folded on a cement plinth with a Pokeball at his side.

Its mysterious appearance has sparked local rumours that Banksy, the secretive British artist, may have been behind the stunt.

Crowds of people have flocked to the statue ever since word of its arrival spread to pay homage to the global craze.

Some have even arrived in costume, posting their selfies online.

Police say they are baffled by the statue but say they have no plans to remove it.

Karon Reese, the neighbourhood association’s vice president, told artnet News it made for a welcome addition.

“It’s creating quite a sensation down here in our neighbourhood park,” she said. “Some neighbours say that this doesn’t belong in a historic park, but it doesn’t bother me.

"It’s bringing people from all over together, and they’re gathering and having fun.”

She added that a mysterious man in a suit had been watching the crowds around the monument and had admitted helping install the statute, which bears the legend #Pokemonument.

When she said it looked distinctly “Banksy-esque” he simply replied that he could neither confirm or deny his involvement.

More than 100 million players have registered to play the game since it was launched, sending Pokemon hunters out into parks, alleys and any public space where they might find a character.

And sometimes private spaces. A lawsuit has been filed against the makers of Pokemon Go by a man in New Jersey over players trespassing on private property.