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Banksy artwork Art Buff from Payers Park in Folkestone to be sold off in US at sale in Miami with number of other works

A Banksy mural removed from the side of an amusement arcade in Folkestone is to be sold off in the US, it's been revealed.

It is expected to go for up to £500,000 when it is displayed at a show of his work in Miami in December.

The Art Buff mural was removed from the wall of the arcade in Folkestone's Payers Park at the weekend - prompting angry protests.

Warning: Graphic image below

The original Banksy
The original Banksy

It came after it was twice daubed with graffiti after it was protected by perspex.

But it's now been revealed the first example of graffiti was probably by the artist himself - returning to the scene of the original artwork!

A penis was painted over the perspex, but quickly removed by contractors.

It comes after workmen were seen at the site all day Saturday - with drilling heard inside the building and test holes on the outside of the protective perspex put in place by Shepway District Council.

The Banksy with the first set of graffiti - now believed to have been done by Banksy himself!
The Banksy with the first set of graffiti - now believed to have been done by Banksy himself!

The drilling sparked fierce protests, with some trying to rip down the scaffolding protecting the work in protest.

At 8pm that day it was confirmed that the artwork had finally been removed.

Proceeds from the sale are set to be donated to the cancer charity set up in aid of Jimmy Godden whose family owns the building.

Police talk to art dealer Robin Barton (centre) who was overseeing the removal. Picture: Paul Amos
Police talk to art dealer Robin Barton (centre) who was overseeing the removal. Picture: Paul Amos

The anonymous artist had earlier revealed it was his contribution to the Folkestone Triennial, which has now ended after two months.

But art dealer Robin Barton, in charge of the sale, said the penis graffiti was probably the result of a second clandestine visit by Banksy.

He said the the Godden family, which owns the arcade, were "no longer prepared to carry the burden of protecting the work".

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