Mystery Surrounds New Seafront Mural As Banksy Speculation Grows

(c) Christopher Shellis (L) and Territhomp from Amsterdam Museum (R)

A new mural on Hove seafront has prompted speculation that it could be the work of elusive street artist Banksy.

The artwork, which shows a police officer spray-painting a love heart, is believed to have appeared on Monday on a wall between Hove Lawns and Palmeira Gardens, near Palmeira Square.

However, there has been no official confirmation that the piece is genuine.

James Peak, who presented The Banksy Story on BBC Radio 4, said the only way to verify the artwork would be if Banksy shared it on his official website or social media channels.

He said the mural is reminiscent of the artist's famous Kissing Coppers artwork, which first appeared in Brighton in 2004, but warned it may not be an authentic Banksy.

The mural has already attracted plenty of attention from passers-by.

Hove resident Nick Davenport said he spotted it while driving along the seafront and wondered if it was genuine, adding that if it is, it is likely to attract large crowds.

Another local resident, Jack Giles, said the artwork looked similar to Banksy's style, while Kristina Miklos said she loved the mural but was unsure whether it was authentic.

Stewart Moysey, who also lives nearby, said the artwork brightened up the wall and was an improvement on the existing graffiti.

Brighton's original Kissing Coppers mural, painted on the side of the Prince Albert pub near the railway station, was removed in 2011 before being sold at auction three years later for £345,000.

A replica now stands in its place behind a protective screen.