A community mural lining the walls of Tolworth Roundabout underpass has been removed.

The aquarium-themed mural depicted a number of animals from the Triassic period, but has been "cleaned" by Transport for London (TfL) according to Robin Hutchinson, the founder of local charity The Community Brain.

In a tweet this morning, 23 April, Mr Hutchinson described the removal as "another act of cultural vandalism from TfL".

"What a shame," he added.

Other public artworks around the roundabout have come under threat this year, including the theft of an enamel heron in March.

The Triassic Tolworth Aquarium was launched two years ago as part of April 2022's International Dinosaur Month.

The Community Brain teamed up with Kingston Borough Council to hold a range of dinosaur-themed activities across Tolworth, Hook and Chessington to raise awareness of the many significant dinosaur fossil finds in Surrey.

The mural was designed and painted by artists We Are Sky High, depicting a range of different prehistoric underwater creatures, including Ichthyosaurs, Basilosaurus, Plesiosaur and Ammonite. 

By covering both walls as well as the ceiling of the underpass, it was hoped the public artwork would give the feeling of being in a tunnel at an aquarium or sea life centre.

Nub News will update this story as more details come to light.