Banksy’s latest artwork sparks speculation someone might try to ‘steal the wall’

The graffiti, in which green paint was splashed onto a whitewashed wall so it looks like foliage behind a pollarded tree, was first spotted in Hornsey Road yesterday (March 17). The mass of green appears above a stencil of a person holding a pressure hose, who themself seems to have been dripped on. After appearing in Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park, on March 17 it was claimed by Banksy just 24 hours later through his office, Pest Control. The artwork was claimed as his through his office Pest Control on March 18 (Image: PA) Social media has been awash with speculation that someone might try to steal the wall. One reddit user joked: “I’m sure nobody will notice if you steal the wall.” Another countered: “Can’t steal this one! “It needs the tree.” Crowds have gathered to see the new piece and one councillor described it as ‘incredible’ (Image: PA) James Peak, who created the BBC Radio 4 series The Banksy Story, said that by incorporating a tree into the artwork, Banksy has “solved an emerging problem” of people trying to steal his work. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Peak added: “I don’t think anyone is going to...