Banksy's latest London mural stolen hours after unveiling

The street artist Banksy's newest work, a wolf howling at the moon, has been stolen just hours after its appearance.

Elusive street artist Banksy's latest artwork, a stencil of a wolf howling at the moon, has been stolen within hours of its appearance in Peckham, south-east London. The artwork, painted on a satellite dish atop a building on Rye Lane, was the fourth in a series of animal-themed pieces that have popped up across the capital this week.

Banksy confirmed the authenticity of the works on his Instagram account, but left the photos uncaptioned, sparking speculation about their meaning. Many believe the "London zoo" series could be a commentary on recent far-right riots or other socio-political issues.

The theft highlights the precarious nature of street art, which is often vulnerable to vandalism or removal. This incident follows a similar pattern with Banksy's previous works, including a tree mural defaced in March and a migrant boat stunt at Glastonbury met with controversy.

Despite the challenges, Banksy continues to create thought-provoking art in public spaces, capturing the attention of the world and sparking important conversations.