Banksy mural erased after 'racist' complaint

A Banksy mural, possibly worth thousands of pounds, has been erased by a council in Essex after a complaint that it was "racist".

The street art work, which shows a group of pigeons holding anti-immigration banners, appeared on Tuesday night in Clacton-on-Sea.

Tendring District Council said it did not know the work was by Banksy but it had received a complaint it was offensive and racist and so it was removed.

The mural may have been created as an ironic observation on the upcoming by-election in Clacton-on-sea where Ukip are expected to do well.

Tendring District Council's Communications Manager Nigel Brown said he understood the social commentary message behind the mural but the council had to act on the complaint.

Banksy has not commented on the decision to have the art work erased but posted pictures of the mural on his website.