A huge mural in Dover depicting a workman removing one of the stars on the European Union flag is by Banksy, it was confirmed today.

The famous street artist's verdict on Brexit is on a three-storey wall by the A20 near the town's ferry terminal. It features a workman in his distinctive black and white style chiselling off part of the bright EU logo.

The mural seemed to appear overnight on the side of Castle Amusements on Townwall Street and drew excited speculation that it was indeed a Banksy. The artist cleared up the matter on Sunday afternoon by posting the image on his Instagram account.

It is in a highly conspicuous position near the port by a main roundabout. One the other side of the building there is a "Welcome to Dover" sign.

The town has played a symbolic and central role in the Brexit debate and last year's referendum and has been the scene of violent clashes between far right and anti-fascist groups.

The arrival of the latest Banksy marks a return to the south coast of Kent for the artist following his controversial Art Buff creation in Folkestone. That resulted in a High Court battle over ownership between art charity The Creative Foundation and the tenants of the building, Dreamland Leisure.