A low-loader, some traffic cones and "the sort of dudes who can set up a Metallica concert in 24 hours" - this was all Banksy needed to install his latest artwork in central London.

Under the cover of darkness, the street artist erected a statue on a plinth showing a besuited man walking forward, blinded by a flag covering his face.

How did he do it? And what will happen next?

James Peak, creator of the BBC podcast series The Banksy Story, asked a question many people have been left wondering: "How has he got a low-loader to there with all the security and put up a massive resin statue?"

In a video posted to Instagram on Thursday, the artist showed glimpses of how he was able to install the plinth in the early hours of Wednesday.

Although the artwork itself would have been months in the making, the operation itself would have been swift.

You can see yellow traffic cones marking off the area as a large vehicle pulls up before deploying lorry-load stabilisers and someone in an orange hi-viz vest.

Someone with protective goggles is seen briefly before the statue is lifted on to the plinth using a hook.

Peak said: "He's got a really big team who are a very, very experienced crew.

"They're the sort of dudes who can set up a Metallica concert in 24 hours: groovy folks but actually extremely organised and professional when it comes to getting things done.

"They've probably surveilled the area, worked out what happens when, gone in the early hours with a low-loader truck and they probably sited it in a few minutes, at the quietest time possible."

It is located in Waterloo Place in St James's, close to Pall Mall and Carlton House Terrace in Westminster.

It is very close to other statues including those of Edward VII, Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War Memorial.

Many government buildings are located nearby, along with a number of foreign embassies and private members' clubs.

Judging by the comments beneath his social media post, it has been very well received.

"Classic Banksy," says one. "Always on point," posts another. "Tell me it's permanent," chimes a third.

As usual, its arrival has made news not just in the UK - the Western Daily Press headlined with "Banksy's still a step ahead" - but around the world too.

Banksy podcaster Peak added: "It's really clever. It captures a very precise moment in time, which most statues never manage to do, where the flag's kind of blinding this puffed up, besuited leader who's about to step off a precipice and look very silly indeed.

"Maybe Banksy thinks this strong leadership and martial sentiment isn't actually a very good idea."

Westminster City Council has told the BBC it did not grant permission, as it was not given advance warning that Banksy's team was planning this installation.

A spokesperson said: "We're excited to see Banksy's latest sculpture in Westminster, making a striking addition to the city's vibrant public art scene."

Previously, some Banksy artworks, including a satellite dish, have been stolen although the sheer size of this one makes that less likely.

However, in 2004, The Drinker, a subversive take on Rodin's The Thinker, was taken from Shaftesbury Avenue before being returned a decade later.

Others have been preserved and, occasionally, they have been exhibited in museums.

In this case, the local authority is considering its options.

A spokesperson added: "While we have taken initial steps to protect the statue, at this time it will remain accessible for the public to view and enjoy."

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