Shoutbox

OK I have the following code:

code:

---

<?php
$download = $_GET['download'];

if (empty($download)) {
require_once("downloads_index.php");
}
?>

---

and that puts the file in fine, however for some reason, just above where the file is being included, I get these characters: 

I have no idea what could be causing that... so if anyone else has any idea?