Arctic Monkeys have been spotted around their native Sheffield, sparking rumours that they may have started work on their new album, NME said.

Since the release of ‘AM’ in 2013 and subsequent tour campaign, the band have been busy with side-projects – as Matt Helders played with Iggy Pop for the ‘Post Pop Depression’ album and tour, while Alex Turner released an album and EP with The Last Shadow Puppets.

Rumours of the band heading back to the studio first emerged back in the summer, while Turner maintained that they were in no hurry to record.

“No, there aren’t really, not yet,” he said when asked for plans on album No.6. ” But there will be at some point. I mean, we’ll see with that. No rush.”

Now, Sheffield locals have spotted the band around the city – with some seeing it as a sign that they’ve begun work on the new record:

The Last Shadow Puppets currently have no future tour dates scheduled.

Meanwhile, Alex Turner and Last Shadow Puppets recently released a new EP ‘The Dream Synopsis‘ – featuring new songs and covers by the likes of Leonard Cohen, Jacques Dutronc, The Fall and more.