Possible Banksy artwork appears on seafront

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A spray painted stencil of a police officer kneeling down with a spray paint can which has drawn a love heart George Carden/BBC
A mural of a police officer has appeared in Hove, with some people believing it to be the work of Banksy

Brighton is already the original home of the Kissing Coppers artwork by Banksy, but now people are wondering if the artist is behind a new mural on Hove seafront.

The artwork, which depicts a police officer spray-painting a love heart, is believed to have appeared on Monday near Palmeira Square.

James Peak, a self-confessed superfan who hosted The Banksy Story on BBC Radio 4, said the only way to verify the mural would be to look at Banksy's website or social media to see if he posted the artwork.

He added it was reminiscent of the Kissing Coppers mural, but said it may turn out not to be Banksy's.

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC The mural on a wall with the regency buildings of Palmeira Square behind. A taxi is parked next to itGeorge Carden/BBC
The mural is on a wall between Hove Lawns and Palmeira Gardens

The mural had already caught the attention of residents walking and driving by.

"I was driving along the seafront and I saw it and thought, is it genuine? I'm not sure. But if it is, it will get mobbed", said Nick Davenport, who lives in Hove.

Jack Giles, who lives nearby, added: "I think it's amazing, we don't know if it's a Banksy, but I think it's incredible. It looks the same style."

Local resident Kristina Miklos added: "I really love it, it's a shame I didn't see it being made as I was here all afternoon.

"I wish it was real, but I don't think it is."

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC Jack Giles has light brown hair and beard. He is standing next to the mural wearing a sports top.George Carden/BBC
Jack Giles was among the curious onlookers who noticed the new mural

Stewart Moysey, who also lives nearby, said: "I think it brightens up the wall and is better than graffiti. The balustrade is a bit tatty as it is, I quite like it."

The other mural, which is on the side of the Prince Albert pub near Brighton Railway Station, was painted in 2004 but had to be removed in 2011.

The mural currently on the side of the pub is a replica covered behind a plastic screen.

Banksy's PR team has been approached for comment.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.