‘Banksy’ Extinction Rebellion artwork appears at protest site at London’s Marble Arch

Although not yet confirmed to have been created by the famed street artist, the piece appeared overnight at the police-sanctioned protest area

(PA)

An artwork believed to have been created by Banksy has appeared at Marble Arch, depicting a show of support for the Extinction Rebellion protests.

Although not yet confirmed to have been created by the famed street artist, the piece appeared overnight at the police-sanctioned protest area.

The piece shows a young child holding the Extinction Rebellion emblem, alongside the words: “From this moment despair ends and tactics begin.”

Protesters held a “closing ceremony” at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park on Thursday following a wave of blockades around the capital over 10 days.

Skeena Rathor, a co-ordinator for the group, told protestors that this was “the beginning of our pause” when activists should “begin a process of reflection”.

Eco-protesters have urged ministers to declare a climate emergency to avoid what it calls a “sixth mass extinction” of species on Earth.

Some 1,130 people have been arrested during the protests which started on April 15, while more than 10,000 police officers have been deployed.

The Metropolitan Police said 69 people had been charged, while the British Transport Police has charged three people.