Banksy has confirmed that, as was widely believed, he was behind a new London statue of a man blinded by a flag.

The anonymous Bristol-based street artist created a sculpture of a man in a suit walking forward off a plinth carrying a flag that was covering his face, which was erected in Waterloo Place, central London, near statues of Edward VII, Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War Memorial.

It was installed in the early hours of yesterday morning (April 29) and though it contained Banksy’s signature, the artist confirmed it was his later by posting it on his Instagram account.

Westminster City Council, which looks after the area, said: “We’re excited to see Banksy’s latest sculpture in Westminster, making a striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene.”

“While we have taken initial steps to protect the statue, at this time it will remain accessible for the public to view and enjoy.”

Although Banksy is best known for his murals, this is not the first time he has turned his hand to…