Kent's own Banksy artwork has been defaced AGAIN.

The painting, which appeared in Folkestone at the end of last month, has been sprayed with what looks like a graffiti vandal's "tag" or signature but is being removed this morning.

It is the second time the artwork in Payers Park has been damaged in a week, after yobs spray-painted a penis onto the empty plinth last Sunday which are now both being investigated by police.

A Shepway District Council spokesman said the paint is being cleaned off this morning.

Meanwhile, police confirmed they are investigating the latest incident which was reported at 6.30pm yesterday evening.

A spokesman added that no arrests have been made following the initial reports of the first incident of criminal damage last Sunday and that inquiries are ongoing following yesterday's discovery.

The vandalism was quickly cleaned off the £300,000 artwork by an officer from the council's grounds maintenance team after the first incident.

Luckily, the authority had already taken the precaution of covering the work with sealed perspex to protect it.

Hundreds of people have visited the piece, dubbed by the council as "a valuable cultural addition" to the town.

A story published by an American website saying Banksy had been arrested in London was confirmed as a hoax this afternoon.

The article emerged on the National Report website this morning claiming the Metropolitan Police had arrested the anonymous graffiti artist in Watford and revealed his identity.

But a spokesman for the force told The Telegraph they were "not aware of Banksy being arrested" anywhere and denied the claims.

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