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Part of 'Banksy' artwork near Lowestoft removed over flood fears

PA Media The art piece in a Lowestoft park appeared around the same time as several others on the east coastPA Media
The artwork in Nicholas Everitt Park near Lowestoft appeared around the same time as several others on the east coast

A piece of street art possibly created by secretive graffiti artist Banksy has been removed over flooding fears.

The work in Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft, Suffolk, showed three children, apparently standing in a small boat placed under the painting.

Oulton Broad Parish Council said the metal "boat" was removed because it was blocking a drain and rain was forecast.

Banksy-style art has also appeared in Gorleston and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk but have not been authenticated.

PA Media A parish council confirmed contractors removed the "boat" section of the piece because it was blocking a drain.PA Media
A parish council confirmed contractors removed the "boat" section of the piece because it was blocking a drain

The boat in the piece in Nicholas Everitt Park appeared to have been made from a piece of scrap metal.

One child is looking ahead as though out to sea, another child stands behind looking over their shoulder, and a third child at the back of a boat appears to be leaning over the side holding a bucket.

Above the artwork was written: "We're all in the same boat."

An Oulton Broad Parish Council spokeswoman confirmed contractors had taken the metal boat section because heavy rain was forecast over the weekend but promised it would be put back.

Andrew Turner/BBC Lowestoft street artAndrew Turner/BBC
Another piece in Lowestoft depicts a child near a dug-up pavement

Another artwork was spotted on a wall outside the former Lowestoft Electrical shop on London Road North, which appears to show a child next to a sand castle.

Others spotted on the east coast include people dancing on a bus shelter and an amusement arcade-style toy-grabbing crane.

The BBC has attempted to contact representatives of Banksy, whose recent work includes a hula-hooping girl and an escaping prisoner.

He has previously confirmed he was responsible for pieces of street art via posts on his Instagram account and website.

Banksy expert Prof Paul Gough, principal and vice chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth, said he was "pretty sure" the works were by Banksy, "or they are very good fakes".

"Banksy has clearly been enjoying an East Anglian staycation: these are very sophisticated stencils showing an artist at the top of his game," he said.

Andrew Turner/BBC Lowestoft Banksy style pieceAndrew Turner/BBC
The piece in Gorleston depicts the type of crane you would see in an amusement arcade
Andrew Turner/BBC Admiralty Road, Great YarmouthAndrew Turner/BBC
One artwork has appeared on Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth

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