Disappointment after Lowestoft North Beach Banksy image is vandalised

There were calls today for the new Banksy images in Suffolk to be protected after one mural was vandalised over night.

Images have emerged of the Banksy image of a rat relaxing in a deck chair on a wall at Lowestoft North Beach having been painted over with white paint.

Lowestoft Town Councillor Nasima Begum called on all councils to protect the popular images - four of which are in the town - as "a matter of urgency".

"Really disappointed to hear that one of the Banksy pieces has been vandalised already," councillor Begum said.

"Why do people feel the need to do this? Such a shame.

"I urge the various levels of council to protect the rest as a matter of urgency! Lowestoft Town Council East Suffolk Council Suffolk County Council."

Renowned graffiti artist Banksy confirmed last week that he was Suffolk and Norfolk's mysterious spray artist.

Posting a video to his social media, Banksy detailed his 'Great British Spraycation' in which he visited Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Gorleston.

He painted ten new murals in total.

Over the last week, rumours had been circulating across East Anglia, speculating whether or not the famous artist was behind the artwork.

Lowestoft was home to four of his genuine artworks, including a child holding a crowbar and giant seagull, that have become locally famous since they appeared, drawing in crowds from across the region.

In Gorleston, however, the teddy picker claw piece was defaced last Friday, a few hours before the piece was announced as a genuine Banksy.

Banksy also confirmed the three children in a boat sprayed on the wall in Oulton Broad to be his work, as well as other pieces found in Norfolk.

Ironically, one resident in the Banksy's Great British Staycation video is filmed calling the images "mindless vandalism", themselves.

However local have taken to social media to condemn the vandalism of one of the murals as "sickening", "pathetic", "disgusting" and "sad".

Lowestoft resident Richard Girling, said: "Really sad that this has happened over night.

"It looks like a roller has been used, not sure if it is water based paint."

A spokesperson for East Suffolk Council said when the murals were first confirmed: “This is incredible news and we are beyond excited that all the recent artworks have been confirmed to be by Banksy, one of the world’s greatest artists.

"This is a real boost for Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and East Suffolk and we are thrilled Banksy has chosen our area for his Great British Spraycation.”

Suffolk Police has been approached for comment.

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