Romford street art is not by Banksy, the artist confirms

The artwork – which many residents speculated could belong to the famous street artist – was spotted on a wall at the corner of Crossways, Gidea Park, in the early hours of this morning (August 13).

It appears to be in Banksy’s signature style, with just a silhouette of the birds outlined, and following the pattern of his recent series of animal artworks across London.

However, this afternoon Banksy’s press office, Pest Control, said “they are not by the artist known as Banksy”.

The art was put up on the wall next to picture framing shop Picture Frame Gallery overnight, and staff from the shop are disappointed to hear it’s not his.

Many speculated that the artwork, which was put up overnight, was Banksy’s (Image: Contributor)

Sam Sissen, from The Picture Frame Gallery PFG242, said it could have been “life-changing” if the artwork was by Banksy.

He said: “It’s a shame, because we really thought it was [Banksy’s].”

Sam was supposed to be on holiday when the street art was spotted, but rushed down to the shop to see the art anyway when it was thought to be Banksy’s.

He said: “It’s annoying because I’m on holiday.

“I’ve got my two kids here – we rushed down when we heard.”

READ MORE: Banksy pelican art appears at Bonners Fish Bar, Walthamstow

The piece of street art, which features three ostriches surrounding a red post box, is still getting “a lot of positive responses from people coming by,” Sam said.

Antonia Mugalu, from the nearby pub The Ship, said she “wouldn’t be surprised” if people visited the pub more because of it, even though it is not Banksy’s.

Banksy’s last artwork, showing a gorilla lifiting up the shutters of London Zoo for animals to escape, has now been confirmed as the artist’s final image in the animal art trail across the capital.