Only Fools and Horses mural painted over by mystery vandals in Burgess Park

A graffiti artist whose work has been championed by Michelle Obama today told of his disbelief after a giant Only Fools And Horses mural was painted over within three days.

Brazilian artist Gustavo Bordin, 36, known as Nénão, wanted to paint Peckham’s best known TV characters after moving to London in March and binge-watching 64 episodes of the sitcom in a week.

He secured permission from the owners of the wall in Burgess Park and spent 45 hours on the portrait of Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert.

He said: “Most of the people who walked past and saw me painting would stop and take pictures, and compliment me.” But after completing his tribute last Friday, three men were seen painting over it on Sunday.

One Instagram user said the cover-up was “a crime”. Some admirers wrongly blamed Southwark council, but it said it was not involved.