A Chorlton homeowner has been left baffled by an act of covert topiary performed under the cover of darkness.
One street in the sought-after suburb is now no longer so leafy, due to the efforts of a green-fingered clandestine caller.
Paul Couvela awoke one morning this week to find the hedge at the front of his property was looking a little neater than usual.
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On closer inspection, he discovered his bush and been trimmed by "persons unknown" - and they had also failed to clean up after themselves.
A trail of green cuttings had been left on the pavement outside the property, in the Longford Road area of Chorlton.
Writing on Facebook, Paul said: "My front bush has been mysteriously trimmed by person or persons unknown."
He added: "Who would do this?... If anyone local is in serious need of a trim, come to me!
"I've got an actual hedge trimmer and some time on my hands, and will do it for a fiver
"Better than some wandering lunatic with a big knife."
Whether this was simply an act of kindness or a reminder to Paul to keep his garden in check remains unclear.
But tongues in Chorlton have been left wagging following the act of stealthy scissor-work.
Homeowners in the no-longer-so-leafy suburb have already dubbed the clandestine caller 'the phantom bush trimmer'.
Writing on the Facebook Group 'Chorlton M21', Frances O'Rourke commented: "Won't the real Trim Shady please stand up?"
Other residents were more keen for 'the phantom bush trimmer' to help them with their gardening needs
Ruth Williams commented "Ooh, will you do mine if you are reading this please
"You can wear a ski mask and remain anonymous. DM me... please
Tariq Ali posted a photo of the Ground Force team, commenting: "These three were seen acting suspiciously in the neighbourhood
Mark James felt the trimming was positive: "I think it send out a important message.
"Like do your hedges more and keep the pedestrian walkways clear"
Do you know any information about the Chorlton Phantom Bush Trimmer?
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