Banksy’s new Valentine’s Day artwork boarded up following vandalism

A new Banksy that appeared in Bristol on Valentine’s Day has been boarded up after it was vandalised.

The artwork, which features a young girl firing red flowers from a catapult, appeared on the side of a house in Bristol last week.

Banksy confirmed he was behind the piece by posting an image of it on his Instagram page on Valentine’s Day.

An offensive phrase was subsequently daubed over the design in bright pink lettering, which resulted in a perspex panel being installed.

But after the panel was torn down, the artwork has now been covered in temporary wooden boarding - meaning it can no longer be viewed from the pavement opposite.

Scaffolding has also been erected next to red flowers in order to protect it from vandals.

Petals allegedly stolen from the structure have since appeared on eBay - much to the annoyance and frustration of local residents.

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Edwin Simons, who owns the house where the Banksy appeared, described the vandalism as "an absolute shame".

Watch video from the scene: