The puzzling temporally variable optical and X-ray afterglow of GRB 101024A

<BR /> Aims We present the optical observations of the afterglow of the Swift burst GRB 101024A and try to reconcile these observations with the X-ray afterglow data of GRB 101024A using current afterglow models <BR /> Methods We employ early optical observations, using the Zadko Telescope combined with X-ray data, to compare them with the reverse shock/forward shock model. <BR /> Results The early optical light curve reveals a very unusual steep decay index of alpha ~ 5. This is followed by a flattening and possibly a plateau phase coincident with a similar feature in the X-ray. We discuss these observations in the framework of the standard reverse shock/forward shock model and energy injection. The plateau phase might also be the signature of the formation of a new magnetar.