A Sheffield street artist has defended his mural of snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan after the design received criticism - saying that the project is "unfinished".

Chris Ashmore was commissioned to produce the artwork featuring seven-time world champion O'Sullivan for the back wall of the Spot On Snooker Club on Langsett Road.

Although many residents said they liked the mural, others described it as "zombie-like", "shocking" and O'Sullivan's face as "skeletal".

Ashmore said he was surprised by the viral response online, but confirmed that he had only completed two weeks out of the five assigned to the job, and "touch-ups" were still needed.

The local artist said part of the problem was that he had been working from a scaffolding platform which obstructed his view, meaning he didn't get the "full perspective".

"I usually use a scissor lift, where you can stand back and see things as a whole, but I couldn't use it as the land is too uneven," he explained.

"When the scaffolding came down, I came away and boom - it's gone viral.

"I saw people saying it looks like Michael Jackson or a zombie. I've got thick skin, I'll be OK, but it didn't feel fair."