A Banksy mural removed from the wall of a former shop will go up for sale in the United States, auctioneers said.

The work, of a child with a crowbar, originally next to a sandcastle and raised paving slab, appeared in August in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The workers were on the scene on Sunday and removed it from the wall.

Julien’s Auctions in California said it “could reach between $ 200,000 and $ 400,000, but the sky is the limit with Banksy’s current values.”

The work was one of 10 pieces created in Norfolk and Suffolk by the elusive street artist over the summer.

The former electrical shop on London Road North, had been on the market for £ 300,000 when the work appeared, but was relisted for £ 500,000 after Banksy confirmed the work was part of his “Great British” series. Spraycation “.

Art dealer John Brandler of Brentwood, Essex, said authorities “missed an opportunity” to keep him for the city and should have bought the property.

Mr Brandler, who owns several Banksy pieces, including the hula-hooping girl originally sprayed on a Nottingham wall, said he didn’t expect the Lowestoft mural to return to the UK.

“Loestoft got a gift from Banksy; a golden opportunity to bring thousands of tourists to the city and help the local economy. It’s a missed opportunity,” he said.

The artwork, along with other murals near the train station, on the beach, and in a park on nearby Oulton Broad, drew crowds to the city.

Over the weekend, Miles Barry, president of Easterly Artists, said he was concerned about its removal and final destination.

“It’s a real shame – it’s not just about the painting on the wall … there is a social commentary on the resources.”

East Suffolk Council said it was “sad to see this piece removed”.

The spokesperson added: “We are fortunate to still have many more pieces at Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, as well as other street art such as the recently revealed bittern at Oulton Broad, created by the renowned ATM artist.

“We are also moving forward with plans for a community project where local people can work with artists to produce more street art in the city.”

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