大象传媒

An apology has been issued by a council sub-contractor after a mural of the late writer, poet and actor Benjamin Zephaniah was painted over in Birmingham.

The authority said crews had been instructed to leave artwork within the underpass area in Hockley, but the protection order did not include outside walls where the painting was seen.

The city council added it would seek to add this particular section of the Hockley subway system to the order.

Its highways sub-contractor, Kier, said it apologised "for any hurt or distress we have caused by painting over this mural".

A spokesperson said crews were carrying out their standard duties and there was no "ill intent", but it accepted the upset "caused by our actions".