A couple in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, were surprised to clock their neighbour escaping the house during lockdown, not least because they were dressed in disguise as… a bush.

Lockdown has been affecting people differently, with many of us finding some days harder than others. While there are people enjoying the government-ordered time at home – baking bread or having a spring clean – some are finding that cabin fever is starting to set in.

Nicholas Murray and Madeline Mai-Davies noticed that the self-isolation measures may have got the better of one of their neighbours, who seemed so desperate to break free they dressed up as a bush to escape the house in disguise.

They watched as their next-door-neighbour – dressed head-to-toe in foliage – snuck out and scurried down the driveway on the quiet suburban street.

Madeline says in the video: “Reached new extremes of how to get out!”

So as to not draw attention, the anonymous bush-person crouched down and scurried along to a nearby bush, stopping for a moment before continuing along the drive and rushing across the road.

At one point, there’s even a drop-and-roll.

Thankfully, the great escape looks likely to just be an elaborate prank, rather than any serious disorderly behaviour.

Either way, it tickled social media users after it was posted online, having gone viral.

Nick said: “Looking back, I didn’t expect the video to go that viral and get 16.5 million views. Whilst in this difficult time we want to bring smiles, laughs and hope.“

Madeline added: “I was overwhelmed with the support and following that came from it.”

If you’re feeling bored at home, you can always check out Therednow’s Facebook group, Isolation Nation, which has been set up in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as a place where people the world over can nurture positivity – be it through providing entertainment and laughs, or sharing tips and advice.

With film quizzes, meme threads, advice on how to exercise while social distancing, support for those who think they’ve contracted the disease and more, the group has something for everybody and aims to build a sense of solidarity during this time of need.