One of street artist Banksy’s newest works has been removed following complaints it was racist.

The mural — featuring a group of pigeons holding anti-immigration banners — appeared this week in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, where a by-election is due to be held next week following MP Douglas Carswell’s defection from the Conservatives to Ukip.

It featured four pigeons holding signs — including one reading “Go Back to Africa” — directed at an exotic looking bird.

Other signs read “Migrants not welcome” and “Keep off our worms”.

Tendring District Council said it did not know the work was by Banksy but it had received a complaint it was offensive and racist.

“The site was inspected by staff who agreed that it could be seen as offensive and it was removed this morning in line with our policy to remove this type of material within 48 hours,” the spokesman said.

“We would obviously welcome an appropriate Banksy original on any of our seafronts and would be delighted if he returned in the future.”

Banksy has not commented on the decision but posted pictures of the mural on his website along with images of the wall with the piece obscured.

The graffiti artist is famous for his dark humour and political satire

The by-election is due to take place on October 9.

PA