Many people believed Banksy, the famously elusive street artist, had visited East Ham last week when graffiti appeared on alley walls.

%image(15292332, type="article-full", alt="Graffiti near Nelson Primary School, on an alley off Napier Road in West Ham, which some local people believe could be a possible Banksy. Two identical murals of a boy with a football and the caption "rude kids" have appeared on opposite walls next to a sign saying "no ball games".")

The images, which are in a similar style to that of the unknown English graffiti artist who is famed for his satirical stencils, show two young boys holding their fingers up next to council signs that read “no ball games”.

Next to both boys are the words “rude kids”.

But, it appears Banksy – currently making headlines with street art in war-torn Gaza – has not graced the borough with his spray can just yet.

Instead, UK street artist The Dotmaster has revealed himself as the man behind the cheeky black-and-white images close to Napier Road.

%image(15292332, type="article-full", alt="Graffiti near Nelson Primary School, on an alley off Napier Road in West Ham, which some local people believe could be a possible Banksy. Two identical murals of a boy with a football and the caption "rude kids" have appeared on opposite walls next to a sign saying "no ball games".")

He has displayed the pictures on his website – where he also reveals having worked alongside Banksy on two projects – and social media.

A caption from his Instagram account reads: “A perfectly safe spot for #kids to #play #criminalised #noballgames here #rudekids.”

Those wanting to have a look for themselves are too late as the images were removed by the council on Monday along with the signs.

A Newham council spokeswoman said: “Graffiti is a crime and can make areas look unsafe and untidy. It also contributes to residents’ perception of anti-social behaviour within an area.

“This particular example could be offensive to some residents so we have removed it.

“Our priority is ensuring Newham is kept clean and tidy for everyone. We are happy to work with residents who want to create public art which would benefit the whole community. However, we will not tolerate people defacing buildings without permission and calling it art.”

The Dotmaster responded to the council’s decision, saying: “I like to think of this as evens. I lost a rude kid but the kids lost a no ball games sign and gained a kick about spot.”