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A mysterious glowing Virgin Mary statue is attracting hundreds of tourists to a tiny Belgian town.

Witnesses claim the small statue glows at night time and the sheer volume of visitors has forced police to act.

As many as 500 people flocked to the pavilion where the Virgin is housed, leaving law enforcement to post guards outside.

An explanation for the bizarre phenomenon is yet to be drawn, but clergymen have now been dispatched to check on the validity of the claims.

Father Leo Palm said: "It's certain that something is going on but I can't tell you whether there is a natural or a miraculous explanation."

Discovered in January, increasing numbers of people have descended on Jalhay, with some apparently reporting they have been cured of ailments after visiting.