Readers react as ‘Banksy’ appears in Crawley

Warehouse worker Ryan Latter spotted the artwork – a girl running painted next to the message ‘Live, laugh, love’ – over the weekend while on the way to the shops.

The 29-year-old, who lives close to the artwork, said he thinks the painting on a wall in Ifield Road appeared over Saturday night.

And now readers have had their say on whether they believe the work is in fact painted by the famous street artist.

Many people are sceptical as to its authenticity, and Debby Scull said on this newspaper’s Facebook page: “If Banksy has started writing phrases like ‘life, laugh, love’ then he’s not the edgy artist we thought he was.”

But some people wondered whether the use of the phrase was ironic.

Robyn Hathaway added: “Unless it’s ironic.”

Laura Ferguson said: “Isn’t Banksy usually a little more political than this?”

Jake Lennon Hibbins added: “Doesn’t look like a Banksy.”

But some people were fans of the artwork, regardless of its provenance.

Rob Mc said: “That graffiti couldn’t be more Crawley.”

Sylvia Murphy added: “Looks good. A bit of cheering up that’s needed at the moment.”

Representatives for Banksy have been approached for comment in a bid to confirm if the piece is his.