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Man In Hazmat Suit Carrying Cordless Drill Caught Trying To Steal Banksy Piece From Hospital

Man In Hazmat Suit Carrying Cordless Drill Caught Trying To Steal Banksy Piece From Hospital

The Game Changer piece was left by the elusive artist earlier this month

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A would-be thief armed with a cordless drill and wearing a hazmat suit was apprehended at a hospital after being spotted eyeing up Banksy's Game Changer piece.

Security staff at Southampton General Hospital tracked the bloke after he was seen walking 'past the picture at least five times', according to the Sun.

He was clocked on CCTV and security staff consulted with their supervisor before approaching the man and kicking him out.

A source told The Sun: "The man just walked in brandishing a cordless drill. Security spotted him and asked a supervisor if they should stop him.

PA

"They were told to watch him and he was seen walking past the picture at least five times, clearly having a good look.

"Security stepped in and he was removed."

A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed to LADbible that the attempted robbery had taken place. Police were not called over the incident.

The Game Changer piece was left at the hospital earlier this month and is painted onto the wall of a foyer not far from the emergency department.

PA

The painting is predominately black and white and shows a little boy wearing a pair of dungarees playing with an NHS nurse 'action hero' complete with face mask and cape. In a bin next to the boy lies Batman and Spider-Man dolls.

A note alongside the piece read: "Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it's only black and white."

The painting will remain in situ until the autumn at which point it will be auctioned off to raise money for NHS charities, according to a spokesperson for Banksy.

Paula Head, who is the CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends.

PA

"The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour."

The piece will likely raise millions for NHS Charities - with a recent Banksy piece selling at auction for £9.9 million.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, crime

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