Anger after Norwich Black Lives Matter tribute is painted over

The original work by artist Knapple Credit: Knapple

A grafitti tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement has been painted over in Norwich - sparking anger on social media.

Grafitti artist Knapple painted the mural in the underpass in the Pottergate area of the city. But shortly after it went up it was painted over with a block of black paint.

Some critics had claimed that the original artwork had contained an acronym that was offensive to police officers, a claim that the artist denied.

Speaking to our reporter earlier today she said:

Knapple: Credit: ITV News Anglia

She was sent messages of support to her Instagram page

But today it emerged that the mural had been painted over by mistake.

Norwich City Council described the moved as a "terrible misunderstanding".

Hundreds of people across the region have rallied behind the Black Lives Matter protests

The protests started in the USA in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd. A police officer has been charged with his murder.

Knapple started to reinstate the painting earlier today

The incident emerged as the region prepares for a series of protests this weekend, including in Peterborough, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich, Southend and Northampton.

Our reporter Matthew Hudson spoke to some of the organisers. Watch his report below: