Ominous “HELP” messages carved onto debris in Los Angeles have raised alarm among social media users. Zoomed in Google Maps satellite images of a rail yard off of the San Bernardino Freeway reveal messages that read “HELP” and “TRAFICO,” which means “traffic” in Spanish.

After the department responded to an 'unknown trouble' call near Mission Road and the 101 Freeway on Sunday (26 January), a spokesperson said: "Upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of any criminal activity or threat in the area."

The Los Angeles area spotted on Google Maps is next to a shipping yard. Members of an adventure group who explored the area were chased away by ferocious dogs.

Located at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mission Road, the messages were spelled out in apparent construction debris and read “Help,” “LAPD,” and “Trafico.” There are also signs that appear to spell out “Federal,” “FBI,” and something related to terrorism.

🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: This disturbing message was spotted on Google Maps in Los Angeles, California, with the words “Help” and “Traffico” written in the debris, surrounded by shipping containers. It has been confirmed that the lot next to this location is a shipping yard which has… pic.twitter.com/swvBnSogXu

Large HELP and TRAFICO signs near Cesar Chavez Ave in LA stir fears of trafficking or protests over displacement.