St Leonards Banksy defaced

Dozens of people have been flocking to see the street art on the beach after news of the mural spread last week.

And news has reached the Observer from a disappointed reader that someone has scrawled all over it.

The scribbling is the work of Team Robbo - a group of unknown graffiti artists who regularly deface Banksy's work.

The Tescos have been covered with Asda and the little girl has had a Hitler moustache added.

There are also tongue in cheek homages to Duncan Bannatyne, Tupac, Keith Lemon and Feargal Sharkey.

The piece has had a perspex cover fitted to preserve it so any subsequent graffiti could be cleaned off.

News of the cover divided Banksy fans - with some pleased it will be preserved and others saying it is contrary to the idea of street art.

However, the perspex itself was smashed, so Hastings Borough Council has dispatched officers to coat the Banksy with a protective spray this morning (Tuesday).

Ben Eine's Princer Charles mural in nearby Norman Road was finished on Friday and has already been defaced.

The artist is back in Norman Road retouching his piece.