Brits reported record 231 UFO sightings in 2009

London, July 13 (ANI): Britons have reported a record 231 UFO sightings to the Ministry of Defence since January.

The figures have put 2009 as the record year on the list for spotting mysterious hovering objects.

The previous record was of 285 sightings for the whole of 2008, while in 2007 the count was 135, and there were just 97 in 2006.

"This is sensational. We are now on target for a record year," British tabloid The Sun quoted former MoD UFO investigator Nick Pope as saying.

He added: "I thought the number of UFOs reported last year was high, but we now know that they are being seen in increasing numbers."

Pope, who worked on the MoD's UFO desk for three years, said that the increase in reports was due to it being easier to snap "proof".

He said: "Most people have a mobile which can take pictures or film. Before, people feared being ridiculed."

The MoD began releasing statistics on sightings of flying saucers dating back to 1998 in 2007 under Freedom of Information laws. (ANI)