A new Banksy mural in Birmingham has been covered in protective perspex after a member of the public got creative with the image overnight.
Red noses have been added to Banksy’s reindeer, which are designed to look as if they are pulling a bench along like Santa’s sleigh in a work that comments on homelessness.
David Golding, interim route managing director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “As a railway family, our hearts go out to the homeless, especially at this time of year.
“Banksy’s wall art has captured their plight so well. It’s right we protect it so everyone can see it.”
He wrote: “God bless Birmingham. In the 20 minutes we filmed Ryan on this bench passers-by gave him a hot drink, two chocolate bars and a lighter – without him ever asking for anything.”
Crowds have since been gathering to view the work themselves, including one member of the public who made their own addition with some red paint.
Mr Golding added: “We discourage any graffiti and we spend a lot of time removing it from around the network … but it’s not every day we get a bona fide Banksy.”
A spokesman for Banksy confirmed the red noses had not been added by the artist.