As usual when a new stencil appears in Bristol, the news media gets all aquiver about whether it could be a new Banksy. So when a girl on a swing held aloft by two red heart balloons appeared above Bristol Fine Art Shop on Park Row, the question had to be asked: was this a new Banksy?

Banksy expert Richard Jones of Tangent Books told ITV News that it would be unusual if the piece was a Banksy as he has not done anything in Bristol for several years since a gorilla with a face mask on Fishponds Road about four years ago.

“I think it would be interesting if it is because he’s been so quiet,” Jones said. “It’s certainly got some of the traits of a Banksy; the fact that the shading is very good and it’s got that element of humour that distinguishes a Banksy.

“Who knows? If it is a Banksy, I wonder what it’s announcing because usually these don’t appear in isolation. It’s usually the start of something else.”