World-renowned artist Banksy has been tipped as the man behind a graffiti mural spray painted on the side of a primary school.

Children at Loose Primary School, in Loose Road, Maidstone, were mystified by the new artwork when they returned from their Easter Holidays yesterday

The piece depicting a young girl penning the words "you're never too young to dream big" appeared on Monday, April 15, as shown by images from the school's CCTV.

Pupils have been shown the footage from the security systems and a can of spray paint left behind to help with piecing together the mystery and finding the talented culprit.

Giacomo Mazza, head of school, revealed the artwork has helped generate debate surrounding graffiti while also creating a huge amount of speculation as to who is behind the mural.

He said: "The first thing the children knew about it was after they returned from their holidays.

"The children don't know who has done it."

During an assembly at the school yesterday the children were shown the CCTV footage which places the rogue artist at the scene between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Monday, April 15.

Nobody knows whether or not the piece is a genuine Banksy but it has generated debate among pupils as to whether it is art or vandalism.

Mr Mazza said: "CCTV images have been shown to the children to look through and a can of spray paint was left at the scene.

"There is a date for April 15 and the person is there at 8.30pm and the man is still there at 10.30pm.

"The children are enjoying all the mystery behind it."
Bristolian Banksy's identity remains a mystery despite intense speculation.

One of his most famous pieces, Girl with Balloon, fetched £1 million at auction last year and was shredded immediately after its sale as part of a stunt.

He also made headlines here in Kent when a huge piece showing a man chiselling a star from the EU flag appeared in Dover.

It remains to be seen whether or not Banksy is behind the Loose masterpiece but Mr Mazza is looking forward to finding out the answer with the schoolchildren.

He added: "The children talk a lot about graffiti. Some of them are saying they don't like it because it is vandalism and the person didn't have permission to do it.

"We have said to the children we don't know whether or not this is the case. Some of the children love it.

"The whole community and parents are intrigued by it."

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