Authorities in England ordered workers to destroy an offensive mural on a wall before realizing it was created by the internationally famous graffiti artist, Banksy.
The mural featured a group of pigeons carrying anti-immigration banners saying "Go Back To Africa," "Keep Off Our Worms" and "Migrants Not Welcome," which sparked recent complaints.
The realization of the origins of the art came to late, as workers already removed the graffiti from Clacton-on-Sea, the site of a special election next week featuring the anti-immigration U.K. Independence Party.
"There was a sharp intake of breath when we realized it was a Banksy," Tendering Council spokesman Nigel Brown told The Associated Press.
Banksy's art - which is often controversial - reportedly sells at auctions for prices up to $1.8 million.
Although the council didn't realize it was a Banksy until after it was removed, they are standing behind their decision.
"Even if we knew it was Banksy, if that could be seen by some people as being inappropriate, offensive or racist, we would still want to remove that," Brown told Reuters.
The council said Banksy's art is welcomed back in the area, but not a replication of the piece that was removed.
An image of the removed mural still lives on Banksy's website.
Banksy, whose identity is unknown, did not comment on the issue.
