FBI urges probe into missing Banksy

Scotland Yard has been asked by the FBI to investigate the removal of a Banksy street mural in Haringey.

The Met’s arts and antiques unit launched preliminary inquiries after the celebrated graffiti artist’s work, titled Slave Labour, was hacked off a wall outside the Poundland shop near Turnpike Lane last week.

US law enforcement officials got involved when the piece, which depicts a young boy hunched over a sewing machine making Union Jack bunting, turned up for auction in Miami, where it is due to go under the hammer tomorrow with an estimated price of £500,000. After widespread public outrage led by Haringey council, questions remain over how the popular mural came to be removed — and what can be done about it.

The council and Poundland condemned the removal of the piece, which was painted last May, before the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and is thought to be a critique of sweatshops that produce cheap decorations. The owner of the building, Wood Green Investments, has so far refused to comment. Asked if the two company directors, Robert Davies and Les Gilbert, sanctioned the  mural’s removal, a friend said today: “That is the $64 million dollar question.

“Here is their problem. If they were to say they were not involved then it becomes a theft and the police come knocking at their door. If they say they are involved, they will be very unpopular. If they comment in either direction it would be a problem.” It emerged today that Banksy may have passed his own verdict on the row after a new artwork was painted on the same north London wall. During the early hours a graffiti artist stencilled an image of a startled rat holding a sign with the word: “Why?”

Slave Labour, on a 4ft x 5ft slab of concrete, turned up on the website of Fine Art Auctions. Confronted by American journalists, the owner of the auction house, Frederic Thut said: “Fine Art Miami is not looking for controversy. We are looking for the good collector, the good buyer.”

A spokesman added: “Fine Art Auctions Miami has done all necessary due diligence and unfortunately is not able to provide any [further] information or details. We would be happy to do so if you can prove that the works were obtained illegally.”

Haringey council leader Claire Kober said: “We have had residents from across the borough and people across the UK and beyond express how dismayed they are that a piece of art given to the community for free is now being sold for a quick profit.

“We are urging the Culture Secretary to back our appeal and use any powers she has to halt the sale of this unique piece of public art.”

The FBI declined to comment.