NYPD says it's not chasing Banksy

NEW York police have denied they are chasing Banksy - despite Mayor Michael Bloomberg suggesting the famous British artist is breaking the law.

NYPD public information officer Annette Markowski told CNN police have not launched an investigation of Banksy because they have not received any complaints of vandalism related to the artist.

Banksy has been unveiling artworks around New York daily this month and then announcing the works on his website.

Some of his works have appeared on streets and building walls - a factor Bloomberg has taken issue with.

"Graffiti does ruin people's property and is a sign of decay and loss of control,'' Bloomberg told media on Wednesday when asked about Banksy's street art, CNN reports.

"Running up to somebody's property or public property and defacing it is not my definition of art. Or it may be art but it should not be permitted. I think that's exactly what the law says.''

Bloomberg said he has ordered his cultural affairs department to investigat ethe matter,

On Thursday, the unidentified artist published a photo on his website of the front page of the New York Post with the headline "Get Banksy! NYPD hunts artist."

"I don't read what I believe in the papers," the artist wrote in a caption below the photo