A man was seen climbing up the Shard skyscraper in London on Monday, scaling the glass exterior of Western Europe’s tallest building at sunrise.
The UK capital’s Metropolitan police said they were called at 5.15am (8.15am UAE) after reports that a “free-climber” was making his way up the tower.
He was talking to police and has not been arrested, they said.
Police were called at 05:15hrs on Monday, 8 July following reports of a ‘free-climber’ on the Shard. Emergency services attended and the man went inside the building where he was spoken to by officers. He was not arrested.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) July 8, 2019
Located close to London Bridge, the Shard is 310 metres tall and is home to offices, restaurants, a retail arcade and a hotel.
BREAKING: A man has been spotted climbing to the top of London's Shard this morning. Police say he is now inside and talking to officers. pic.twitter.com/N48TeXvCHV
— talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) July 8, 2019
Someone is climbing up The Shard!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4yWG0CZ6Rt
— David Kevin Williams 🏴 (@DaveKWilliams) July 8, 2019
Free-climbers scale the world’s tallest towers without using a rope or a safety harness, often without the permission of the building’s owner.
In 2011, famed free-climber Alain Robert, known as the "French Spider-Man", was granted permission to climbed the Burj Khalifa legally with a harness.
Mr Robert returned to Dubai four years later and scaled the 75-storey "twisted" Cayan Tower unaided.
