Arsenal's artist: Passing Gooners stop and whisper, 'is that him?'

Northbanksy might never sign his name, but around the N5 Arsenal are of north London, his signature is already everywhere

KING OF THE NORTH BANK: Graffiti Artist Northbanksy paints a mural depicting the celebration of former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after his 2006 Champions League winner against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Pic: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

It’s just after 10pm on a sticky North London night when I find myself lugging paint cans, a ladder, and a bundle of art materials through backstreets patrolled only by foxes, night buses and night people. 

By 2am, hoods are up, brushes flying, a small crowd gathering, and I can’t help hearing Whodini’s old hip-hop line: “Freaks come out at night.”