Who is the mysterious artist behind the new graffiti in East Malling?

The striking black and white motif is of a hooded figure bending over and spray painting the Corona Extra beer logo.

It appeared on the brick wall of a small outbuilding in Bellingham Way last month.

The stencil style is similar to that of renowned graffiti artist, Banksy, so people are questioning whether it is his work or that of another.

Discussing the possibilities on a Larkfield community Facebook group, one resident said: "I’m not actually saying it is him but it just looks like his style of work that’s all."

Others were unsure whether Banksy would select Larkfield for a piece, when he usually displays his work in busier towns and cities.

But if it were the illusive man himself, it wouldn't be the first time he'd chosen Kent for one of his priceless pieces.

In 2014, 'Art Buff' - showing a woman wearing headphones peering over an empty plinth -was painted on the side of Palace Amusements arcade in Payers Park.

Unfortunately, it was subjected to graffiti and only six weeks later it was removed and sent to America, where it went on auction in Miami.

But after it failed to sell a legal battle over its ownership saw the painting placed in the hands of the Creative Foundation, now Creative Folkestone, in 2015, who brought it back to the town and placed the valuable work in storage - where it still is today.

Another mural, this time in Dover, of a workman chipping away at a star on the European flag, was painted on the side of yet again, an amusements building in 2017.

Dover Banksy mural goes missing

The huge image greeted traffic travelling towards the Port of Dover and become a popular tourist attraction.

However, last summer, it "disappeared".

Scaffolding was erected on the side of the building and soon after, shocked onlookers noticed it had gone.

It is not clear if the mural has been permanently removed or has simply been protected to avoid further damage. Nobody knows - not even Banksy - he says.

The Bristol artist was also mentioned in relation to an inspiring motif on the side of Loose Primary School last year. But it was later revealed it was the work of Graham Golden from Graffiti Kings, who was approached by the school's senior leadership team.

Do you know who's behind the Larkfield piece? Email rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk

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