[bbfan1991]

Police have been left puzzled by the sudden appearance of a mass of underwear by an Ohio roadside.

Thousands of pairs of mostly women's underwear were discovered in several spots around Berne Township near the state capital of Columbus this week.

Fairfield County Deputy Gary Hummel told The AP that authorities had so far uncovered nearly 1,700 pairs, enough to fill 10 garbage bags in all.

Some of the underwear appeared to be in their original condition, while other pairs had been worn.

He added that the incident had "baffled" local officers.