Rare Oregon rock formation 'toppled'

The popular rock formation was fenced off to visitors

Officials at a state park in Oregon are investigating whether a rare rock formation was deliberately toppled.

A mobile phone video appears to show three people pushing against the famed "Pillar Rock" until it collapses.

The unique outcropping, also known as the Duckbill, has long been a popular destination for tourists visiting Cape Kiwanda park on Oregon's Pacific coast.

Officials had at first believed that the coastal sandstone pedestal had naturally eroded.

But they are currently re-evaluating that assessment after being shown the video by David Kalas, a visiting beachgoer.

The Duckbill rock after its fall

Mr Kalas said that up to eight people participated in toppling it a week ago, but that five had walked away when the remaining group stayed to push it over.

"We confronted them and they said it was a safety hazard," said Mr Kalas, who had gone there to film a summer holiday video with friends.

"They said one of their friends had broken a leg on it. It's like their weird revenge thing", he added.

Social media users have been posting their tributes to the iconic destination

The pedestal was roughly 10ft (3m) across, and had been a popular destination for tourists seeking photos.

Police and parks officials will meet on Tuesday to discuss possible criminal charges.

A similar incident took place at Goblin Valley State Park in the state of Utah in 2013.

Two Boy Scout leaders received probation and a fine after posting online a video of themselves knocking over a rock formation believed to be about 170 million years old.