Someone call the police - a roundabout has been 'mugged'.

For the second time in three years, an otherwise unremarkable traffic island on the A47 is the location of a bizarre crockery-bombing phenomenon.

Mugs have been appearing on the roundabout, which is close to the James Paget hospital in Gorleston - and one man has claimed responsibility for at least four of the colourful cups.

Steven Paul Osbourne, 38, who works in the emergency theatres at the hospital, said: "It put a smile on my face on my way to work seeing all the mugs on the roundabout, so it's a silly tradition I want to keep alive."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Steven Paul Osbourne, 38, pictured next to Gorleston's Banksy which he helped to clean after it was vandalised. Photo: Steven Paul Osbourne. Steven Paul Osbourne, 38, pictured next to Gorleston's Banksy which he helped to clean after it was vandalised. Photo: Steven Paul Osbourne. (Image: Steven Paul Osbourne)

Mugs first sprung up on the roundabout in July 2020, the phenomenon apparently starting after some workmen accidentally left behind their teacups.

Locals then added to those cups until approximately 30 pieces of china surrounded a chamberpot sitting in the middle of the circle. 

The action drew warnings from authorities, however, and at the end of the month contractors working for Highways England removed the crockery. 

According to Mr Osbourne, the latest 'installation' could be compared to the work of Banksy.

"I think I speak for myself and the vast majority of the surrounding area that although it is a form of littering, in some way it's a form of artwork in itself," he said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: File photo of the traffic circle on the A47 in Gorleston which became known as the 'Mad Hatter's Roundabout' in July 2020 after locals began placing mugs there. Photo: Liz Coates. File photo of the traffic circle on the A47 in Gorleston which became known as the 'Mad Hatter's Roundabout' in July 2020 after locals began placing mugs there. Photo: Liz Coates. (Image: Liz Coates)

Mr Osbourne said he regularly goes litter-picking with his son, Harrison, and that they "get a thrill from picking up other people's rubbish".

"I would happily go and clean up the roundabout if it genuinely upset everyone as I would never want to litter," he said.

Whether considered litter or art, the crockery's fate on this occasion remains to be seen.

For now, the question on the lips of some Gorleston residents is: "Are the authorities going to declare another 'war on mugs'?"