'Shotton Banksy' graffiti depicts US philanthropist Bill Gates and the reason behind it

A mysterious piece of graffiti art depicting a bespectacled man appeared on the wall of the cricket club in North Street in Shotton recently.

It left locals mystified as to who the image depicted and who the artist was.

But after the Leader asked if anyone could help this week, readers suggested that the image is of the Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

After reading the story, other Twitter users said there are other identical images in other locations in the town - some with slogans that confirm the face is of the American tech tycoon and philanthropist.

Shotton "Bansky" spottedin North Street.

However, the revelation is disturbing, as the use of the image in this way has been associated with debunked anti-vaccine conspiracies.

Similar graffiti has been daubed in other parts of the UK.

Bill Gates has become a target for conspiracy theorists and internet trolls due to his charity’s work in vaccine development.

However, there is no evidence that the Microsoft founder, or anyone else, is trying to implant microchips or anything else in anyone through vaccines.

Mr Gates has also repeatedly denied these claims.

Following the story, readers had their say on social media.

On the Leader's Facebook page, Andrew Baines said: "Defo Bill Gates."

Chris Edwards posted: "It's our glorious overload and ruler Bill Gates."

Handout photo issued by Global Citizen showing Bill and Melinda Gates during the One World broadcast, celebrating health workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Richard Morrison disagreed, saying: "It’s Mr Brick."

And Dav Jones said: Bill Gates lives in Shotton? Yeah right with all that money he owns, don't be silly now."

The graffiti, which had been dubbed the "Shotton Banksy," resembles the black and white style of famous pieces by the enigmatic urban artist, such as Bomb Hugger, Girl with Balloon, or Kissing Coppers.

However, it lacks the dark humour and satirical edge seen in most of his work and now the reason for that is clear.

Shotton "Bansky" spottedin North Street.

One Shotton resident said: "It looks so much like a Banksy to me in the style. It's so curious. I don't know who it is or who it's by.

"It's so out of the norm for around here."