Has anonymous street artist Banksy joined Twitter?

Mystery surrounds a new Twitter account claiming to be the anonymous street artist Banksy.

The account using the handle @CheltersBanksy posted a series of tweets about the artist's latest Spy Booth artwork earlier today.

The Twitter account appeared to join the debate on what should be done with the mural near GCHQ, home of the Government's spying network in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Banksy claimed responsibility for the piece last month but it was feared builders who turned up with scaffolding last week were set to remove it and sell it on.

Since then locals, including art dealers in the area, have pledged to raise £1million to save the artwork.

Tweeting this afternoon 'the artist' said:

The Twitter user said they disagreed with turning the Grade II listed building Spy Booth is on into a museum about spying saying it was "totally alien to the piece".

The tweets said the account might say more tomorrow but for now was seriously annoyed "at the Tories trying to use it for electioneering".

They added: