New Banksy art outside French Embassy 'could be removed by building owner'

A new artwork by Banksy that has appeared near the French Embassy could be removed or covered by the building's owner.

The mural has been up since Sunday morning, criticising the use of tear gas on refugees in the Calais "Jungle" by depicting Les Misérables' Cosette suffering from the riot control agent.

The video above shows workers trying to remove the artwork, abandoning the attempt after reportedly fearing that using a crowbar would harm it.

London Live reported that the workers will now try to cover it up with a piece of wood. It is believed the owner of the building will make a decision regarding the artwork later.

There was another failed attempt to remove the mural last night with police being called to a group of men trying to rip it off the wall at around 8:45pm last night.

Painted on a derelict building opposite the French Embassy in Knightsbridge, a CS cannister lies at the Victor Hugo character's feet in reference to the evcition attempts made by French police on January 5 and 6, which saw tear gas used on refugees.

The artwork also includes a QR code, which links to a video that appears to show police vans using water cannons and tear gas in the Calais "Jungle".