A local authority has said it was "not involved" in the recent disappearance of a Banksy mural.

People notice the artwork, on the side of the former Castle Amusements building in Dover, had vanished at the weekend.

It showed a workman chipping away at a star on the European flag, and had become a popular tourist attraction.

A spokesman from Dover District Council said: "We’re disappointed to see the Banksy mural appears to have been removed, recognising that this unique artwork had become a popular tourist attraction in the town.

"The property, which is in a state of considerable disrepair, is privately owned, and the council was not involved in the current activity, and was not made aware of any plans for it to take place.”

The Godden family, who own the Townwall Street property on which Banksy painted the iconic piece, have also been contacted for a comment.

This comes after Dover MP Charlie Elphicke shared his outrage that the £1 million mural had disappeared.

He said: "I am very disappointed by the disappearance of the Dover Banksy - a culturally iconic statement on our times.

"We asked Historic England to use their powers to protect this work but they refused. This is the result. They should hang their heads in shame."

Fears for the street art had been growing in recent weeks as the paintwork appeared to deteriorate.

Earlier this month, Mr Elphicke revealed he was continuing to press Dover District Council to protect it, after launching a Save Our Banksy campaign back in 2017.

It is still not clear whether the street art has been removed or painted over to hide it or protect it.

Art expert John Brandler speaks to KMTV about the mural

Read more: All the latest news from Dover