Could graffiti which has appeared on a bridge be a river Banksy?

A picture of a young angler with rod slung over his shoulder and a shark's fin which have been sprayed onto the structure at Stowbridge, near Downham Market, have sparked rumours on social media that the enigmatic artist has paid a visit to the village.

Eastern Daily Press: The young angler which has been stencilled onto the bridge at StowbridgeThe young angler which has been stencilled onto the bridge at Stowbridge (Image: Chris Bishop)

Both are around a metre high, although they lack the detailing using layers of stencils and spray paint which is the hallmark of Banksy's distinctive 'look'.

Tracey Elflett, landlady of nearby pub The Heron, said the works had become a talking point in the village, which sits on the banks of the tidal River Ouse and the Relief Channel.

Eastern Daily Press: The shark's fin which has also been sprayed onto the bridgeThe shark's fin which has also been sprayed onto the bridge (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The locals are all saying it's a Banksy," she said. "They've all got it on their phones and they're chatting about it, it's on Facebook."

She added while the riverside pub had been busy, she had not spotted anyone who might have been the elusive artist, who is believed to be based in Bristol, at the bar.

Eastern Daily Press: The bridge across the tidal Great Ouse, where graffiti some believe is by Banksy has appearedThe bridge across the tidal Great Ouse, where graffiti some believe is by Banksy has appeared (Image: Chris Bishop)

"I leave the pub at all hours and I've not seen anyone acting suspiciously with stencils and spray cans," she said.

"I'm not sure how long it's been there for. I drive past every day and I didn't even notice it." 

Eastern Daily Press: The shark's fin which has been sprayed on the bridgeThe shark's fin which has been sprayed on the bridge (Image: Chris Bishop)

In 2021, banksy left a trail of guerilla artworks across the east coast on a trip which was dubbed Spraycation.

He left his mark in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Lowestoft, Outlon Broad, Cromer and King's Lynn.

Eastern Daily Press: The works have appeared on a bridge across the tidal Great Ouse The works have appeared on a bridge across the tidal Great Ouse (Image: Chris Bishop)

One work in the Merrivale Model Village at Yarmouth sold for more than £1m.

But parts of others were later vandalised or removed by council officials.

Eastern Daily Press: The bridge is on the Fen Rivers WayThe bridge is on the Fen Rivers Way (Image: Chris Bishop)

No official announcement has been made via Banksy's usual channels regarding the Stowbridge graffiti.

We have approached his representative to ask whether the work is one of his. 

Eastern Daily Press: The works some believe are by Banksy have appeared at Stowbridge, near Downham MarketThe works some believe are by Banksy have appeared at Stowbridge, near Downham Market (Image: Chris Bishop)