Shocking pictures show Banksy's latest mural being washed off the wall of the Royal Courts of Justice - just one day after appearing.

The new mural appeared on the side of the central London building on Monday 8 September.

The mural depicts a court judge hitting a protester with a gavel.

Banksy, a Bristol-based street artist, confirmed the artwork was one of his own.

On Monday (September 8) he posted a photograph on Instagram - simply stating "Royal Courts of Justice. London" as the caption."

A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals told the BBC that artwork would be removed.

They said it is because the Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and that it was "obliged to maintain its original character". "

Yesterday (September 9), officials were spotted removing the artwork, leaving behind a shadowed outline.

Project manager Chris Ing, 38, spotted the scene on his way home from work.

He said: "The police set up a cordon and people were power washing it."

"It's all gone now - but you can still see the picture there."

"It seems surprising - I get that it's graffiti, but it's more than graffiti."

A HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson said: "The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character."