Like countless others, Rich McCormack snapped a photo of the Tribute in Light at the World Trade Center site.

But the freelance photographer from Jersey City got more than he bargained for when he capturthe beams of light towering into the sky last week.

At the top of the beams appears to be a silhouette of an angel, though the photographer himself said it bears a striking resemblance to Jesus.

At the top of the beams appears to be a silhouette of an angel, though the photographer himself said it bears a striking resemblance to Jesus

Like countless others, a freelance photographer snapped a photo of the Tribute in Light at the World Trade Center site, but captured the angel at the top of the beams

The picture was shared on social media, and many users have taken it to mean a symbolic religious sign.

Norma Cheryda Aguila-Valdaliso wrote: 'Oh my God. God is great. God is good.

'This has left me with so much faith - God is watching over us always.

Yvette Cid, whose children were victims of the 9/11 attacks which claimed 2,996 people, was overwhelmed by the picture.

She said: 'That's an awesome pic wow I lost my two boys and I believe this is a sign to all that have lost a love one.'

Nancy Diaz shared the view that someone was looking down upon New York, and Heléna Padgett said: 'The Lord is with us and this is just another reminder. It's beautiful.'

Like countless others, a freelance photographer snapped a photo of the Tribute in Light at the World Trade Center site. But Rich McCormack from Jersey City got more than he bargained for when he snapped the towers of light beaming into the sky last week

Mr McCormack said he had taken several photos that night, and the figure only appeared in one of them.

Some of his followers were quick to point out that his feat was no coincidence.

C ristina Fontanelli said: Oh my goodness. Richard - incredible. So many signs and wonders.

'You must be a very special human being to have captured this. We have to believe there is more than the horrors that manifest on this planet. Thank you Jesus.'

Doris Camacho agreed, and added: ' Do you know how blessed you are? Everybody has taken this same picture for years, but this angel chose you.'

Mr McCormack said he had taken several photos that night, and the figure only appeared in one of them

While some questioned its validity, saying it had been photoshopped or even placed there as a hologram by the government, Mr McCormack said he hadn't tampered with the image.

His friends leaped to his defense, describing him as 'God's middle man' for capturing the 'miracle'.