The rumoured Banksy painting in Old Town has been blocked from view by a security van containing guard dogs.

The black and white image of a boy, similar to those produced by the legendary urban artist, has been painted onto the wall of the abandoned Stagecoach bus depot building on Eastcott Road. 

But today a yellow security dog unit van has blocked it from view after people gathered throughout yesterday and this morning to take a look. 

The driver of the van told the Adver he is protecting the painting at the owner's request. 

He added: "I'm here on behalf of the owner, and will be until further notice. 

"It's to stop people getting into the building and from doing more graffiti."

Swindon Advertiser:

In the painting, the boy holds a sign that reads "Wild £ man on the run. Heading for Bristol. Dodge News."

The painting is yet to be confirmed to be a Banksy but Swindon Borough Council has theorised it could be a continuation of the most recent artwork in Reading. 

A post from the authority said: "Overnight the black and white picture appeared near Eastcott Hill and some residents are suspecting that it may have been created by Bristol guerilla artist Bansky.

"Are the references to being 'Wild£' and 'on the run' linked to his recent artwork ‘Create Escape’ which depicts Oscar Wilde escaping from Reading prison?"

Owners of the building, SN Developments, has said it won't be commenting on the painting until it is or isn't confirmed as a Banksy.