The mural had already caught the attention of residents walking and driving by.
“I was driving along the seafront and I saw it and thought, is it genuine? I’m not sure. But if it is, it will get mobbed”, said Nick Davenport, who lives in Hove.
Jack Giles, who lives nearby, added: “I think it’s amazing, we don’t know if it’s a Banksy, but I think it’s incredible. It looks the same style.”
Local resident Kristina Miklos added: “I really love it, it’s a shame I didn’t see it being made as I was here all afternoon.
“I wish it was real, but I don’t think it is.”