Writing’s on the wall for bid to sell Banksy mural

A "six-figure" deal that would keep a Banksy mural which targets the issue of government surveillance at its current site is nearly complete, an art dealer has claimed.

Robin Barton, from London art gallery Bankrobber, said he was approached by the owner of the Grade II listed building, on which the Spy Booth artwork is painted, after he was “shocked at the level of vitriol” following reports that the piece may be sold and removed.

The creation shows three 1950s-style agents, wearing brown trench coats and trilby hats, using devices to tap into conversations at a telephone box.