A MYSTERIOUS stencil has appeared on a back street in Bolton – leading to claims it could be the work of famous graffiti artist Banksy.

The artwork, which features vampire Count Orlok cast in shadows holding two Tesco carrier bags, was spotted on hoardings in Mawdsley Street, just off Great Moor Street.

The vampire from Transylvania appeared in the classic 1920s German Expressionist horror film Nosferatu, where he feasted on the blood of living humans.

Daubhill resident Roy Menley contacted The Bolton News about the stencil after spotting it around lunchtime on Friday.

The 60-year-old said: “We were in the car driving up that street when I clocked it, so we stopped to have a good look.

“It’s a Halloween sort of thing, carrying Tesco bags. It looks like a Banksy.

“I like it — it looks really good.”

It is not the first time eagle-eyed Bolton News readers have spotted graffiti which was thought to be the work of controversial artist Banksy.

In January stencils of rats in his style were spotted on plywood boarding in Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge.

His PR company later confirmed it was not his work.

In 2008 similar hallmarks of the artist appeared under a motorway bridge at Crown Lane, Horwich, although it was never established whether Banksy was responsible.

What do you think? Have you seen any other ‘Banksy’ artwork in Bolton? Get in touch by commenting below.