Banksy’s latest London artwork reported to Met police as 'criminal damage'
Banksy’s identity could be revealed if police probes into his latest artwork continue.
Met Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of criminal damage to the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
On Monday (September 8), a painted mural appeared on the side of the building in Carey Street, showing a judge beating a protester with a gavel.
The protester is unarmed and holding a blood-splattered placard, while the judge is seen wearing a traditional wig.
Anonymous street artist Banksy revealed they are behind the artwork on Instagram in a post sharing two close-up photos of the piece, sharing its location in the caption.
The same photos have since also appeared on Banksy’s official website.
Just hours after claiming the artwork on social media, the piece was concealed by large sheets of black plastic and surrounded by a metal fence.
Two security guards were also seen by its side guarding it to protect passersby from uncovering it.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “On Monday, September 8, officers received a report of criminal damage to the side of the Royal Courts of Justice. Inquiries continue.”
Banksy’s identity could be revealed if investigations continue and are escalated.
It is understood to be a reference to activists who have been arrested and charged for supporting the terrorist organisation Palestine Action, reports The Standard.
This new artwork comes just weeks after the Lady Chief Justice, the most senior judge in England and Wales, repeated concerns for the safety of judges, who she said had been subjected to “increasingly unacceptable sensationalist and inaccurate abuse”.
It also comes as London is set to be taken over by protests on 13th September as Tommy Robinson’s ‘Free Speech Rally’ comes head-to-head with a counter-protest from Stand Up To Racism.
Banksy is yet to comment on the politics surrounding his latest artwork, which shows an “unarmed protester being beaten by a judge with a gavel.”
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