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A masked Santa has been arrested after handing out Christmas Cards with banknotes inside to the homeless population in Manchester.

The activist – who goes by the name Outlaw (@Outlaw.ltd) – has previously grabbed the headlines for handing out hundreds of pounds worth of free marijuana in the northern city.

But his latest viral stunt has more of a heart-warming feel to it, as Christmas Cards filled with £10 notes are handed to destitute people, some of whom react with great emotion.

The video, filmed on Tuesday December 17, begins with the masked Father Christmas sitting by an open fire filling Christmas cards with £10 notes.

The man, known as Outlaw, then heads onto the streets of Manchester city centre where he begins handing out the cards to rough sleepers.

(Image: @outlaw.ltd/News Dog)

The men and women appear very grateful, with hugs and smiles being returned for the kind gesture.

However the video ends abruptly when anonymous Santa is bundled into the back of a police van.

But we are left with the image of an older gentleman clearly overcome by the goodwill gesture in a scene that even Scrooge would be moved by.

(Image: @outlaw.ltd/News Dog) (Image: @outlaw.ltd/News Dog)

Outlaw said: “We made up 50 cards, each with £10 in, but only managed to hand out around 35 to homeless before police came.

“I fully welcome the heartbreaking assumption ‘all they’ll buy is drugs’.

“One lady spent £5 on a coat to keep her dog warm.”

(Image: @outlaw.ltd/News Dog) (Image: @outlaw.ltd/News Dog)

This isn’t Outlaw’s first stunt on the streets of Manchester. Earlier this year he hit the heading for handing out £800 worth of marijuana in Piccadilly Gardens.

Two men in balaclavas unveiled a roller banner with the words ‘Free Bud’ emblazoned on it.

The stunt attracted a large crowd, but unsurprisingly that also ended with Outlaw being taken into police custody.

You can follow him on Instagram @outlaw.ltdq