Banksy work stripped by council contractors as angry onlookers boo

Outrage as Scar of Bethlehem street art removed

'This is disgusting,' fumed one onlooker

A work titled 'Scar of Bethlehem' by graffiti artist Banksy was removed by council contractors in Peckham, south London, less than an hour after it appeared. The artwork, which depicted a donkey with a red saddle and bridle, was painted on an empty advertising billboard on Rye Lane.

Onlookers booed as the contractors removed the artwork. One person present said, "This is disgusting. It's a work of art and it should be left alone." Another added, "Banksy is an important artist and his work should be protected." Southwark Council said it removed the artwork because it was "unauthorised."