Speculation is mounting that Banksy could be behind a new 'Kill the Bill'-themed artwork in West Sussex, after an eagle-eyed passer-by spotted some of the Bristol artist's trademark motifs.
As first reported by the Brighton Argus, the stencil appeared in Chichester last week. It depicts two rats marching, each holding a placard.
One placard reads "Kill the Bill" while the other says "It's Priti Awful".
"Kill the Bill" refers to the movement that has amassed to oppose the government's police, crime, sentencing and courts bill, which seeks to toughen police powers over peaceful protests, among other objectives. One of the bill's most vocal proponents is home secretary Priti Patel.
Local resident Walter Francisco, who runs Chichester Cinema, snapped the new artwork. The rats are seen trailing a multicoloured cat, which was previously painted on the wall in 2018 by another artist, JPS. No artist has yet claimed responsibility for the new additions.
"Kill the Bill" protests have been held in numerous cities and towns across the UK in recent weeks, but Bristol protestors have been been particularly notable in their opposition to the bill. Nine protests have been held in the city centre against the proposed legislation. While Banksy has not publicly commented on the bill, he is known for infusing much of his work with his political activism.
Bristol Live has approached Banksy's representatives for comment.
