A brand new Banksy that appeared overnight sparked speculation that somebody might try to steal the wall it is painted on – but gleeful neighbours say the piece wouldn't work without the tree in front of it.

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.

Islington Gazette: The artwork was claimed as his through his office Pest Control on March 18The 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."

Islington Gazette: Crowds have gathered to see the new piece and one councillor described it as 'incredible'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 be able to nick this... how are you going to steal a tree?"

Perhaps more plausible is the possibility that someone might try to sell the wall.

Islington Gazette: Reddit users have speculated that people might try to 'steal the wall'Reddit users have speculated that people might try to 'steal the wall' (Image: PA)

One Reddit user NorthLondonHippy warned: "Enjoy it while it lasts.

"I had one not far from me, and the building owner sold the wall fairly quickly."

Located in the heart of the community's social housing in one of the poorest parts of the borough, the piece also sparked conversation about Banksy's commitment to making art accessible.

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn praised the piece, saying "it gives a bit of hope".

Islington councillor Flora Williamson (Lab, Tollington) said it was "incredible" to have Banksy art "right in the middle of social housing and one of the poorest parts of the borough".

Islington Gazette: The art's location in one of the poorest parts of the borough has also sparked conversation about making art accessibleThe art's location in one of the poorest parts of the borough has also sparked conversation about making art accessible (Image: PA)

Banksy's street art often touches upon political and social contexts.

The artist's most recent piece in December 2023 featured a stop sign with three military drones on it, a reference to calls for a cease fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

This artwork was stolen just hours after it had been confirmed as authentic.

In February, two men were re-bailed for theft, with officers still trying to track down the artwork, which was taken from a south London street.