A CONTROVERSIAL mural was painted over by its creator, its owner has claimed.

The huge image depicting Edward Scissorhands holding his blades menacingly towards the throat of Mr T with the slogan “I pity the fool who don’t go to... Lads and Dads” appeared on the gable end of new walk-in barbers shop Lads and Dads late last month.

But it produced a furious response, because it overlooks the war memorial in Sherburn Village, County Durham.

Last week, barbers shop owner Janice Stevens claimed it had been painted over by men in ski masks, against her wishes.

Now Ms Stevens says she believes the mural artist painted over it himself.

The artist was not available for comment.

Ms Stevens was visited by the police to discuss the incident but declined to press charges.