The Eiffel Tower was evacuated after a shirtless Briton was spotted climbing it just hours before the closing ceremony of the Olympics.
Shocked onlookers watch a climber scale the 1,083-foot-tall structure and stand atop the blue Olympic circle before continuing his perilous ascent.
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A man was caught climbing the Eiffel Tower just hours before the closing ceremony of the OlympicsCredit: X
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He was seen being arrested on the observation platform of the historical landmark Credit: X
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A man is seen climbing the Olympic rings Credit: X
He was caught on video climbing the north side of the tower without a harness or ropes just moments before the final events were to be completed this afternoon.
Incredible footage shows him reaching halfway up the giant landmark with only a bag of chalk to help him.
Another video shows a free climber being led away in handcuffs by French police as tourists watch from an observation platform.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed to The Sun this evening that the man is British and has been charged with endangering others and trespassing on a historic or cultural site.
A Paris police spokesman said earlier: “At 2.45pm a person was seen climbing the Eiffel Tower.
The police immediately intervened and arrested the person.
A man can be heard saying “damn warm, in there” as he is led away.
Security officials quickly cordoned off the Eiffel Tower as they evacuated the site around 3 p.m.
Those inside at the time of the ordeal were briefly confined to the second floor, reports said.
They were allowed to leave about 30 minutes after the man was escorted from the area.
Watch Thierry Henry dance in a nightclub with two of his France players as the team celebrate Olympic silver
Specialist climbing police were sent to the tower after it was cleared to check for suspicious or unusual activity.
Tourists queuing for the landmark were unaware of the current situation and were left frustrated after being told to leave.
One social media user posted on X: “I just waited in line for so long to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower but someone is trying to climb it so they just shut the whole thing down. Awesome.”
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An investigation into reckless climbing is underway.
The tower is not expected to be used for tonight’s closing ceremony, which is due to start at the Stade de France at around 9pm.
However, he played a major role in the opening ceremony as he hosted the breathtaking return of Celine Dion.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced before today’s major security breakthrough that 23,000 policemen would be mobilized in the French capital tonight.
At least 3,000 extra officers will be stationed around the Stade de France where the ceremony is due to take place.
It comes after Team GB recorded a valiant effort of 65 medals at Paris 2024, including 14 gold, during the summer showdown.
Which means the British finish seventh in the standings, recording their lowest gold return in 20 years.
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Onlookers watched from the platform as the man was taken away Credit: X
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The area around the tower was quickly evacuated after a major security breachCredit: AP
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education