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French climber arrested in London after scaling tower

French urban climber Alain Robert, also known as “Spiderman”, reacts as he reaches the top of the 202-meter Salesforce Tower in central London on October 25, 2018, the tallest tower in the financial hub of the British capital, known as the City of London. (AFP photo)

Police in the British capital London have arrested a famous French climber after he caused the traffic to stop by scaling one of the city’s tallest towers.

Police said a 56-year-old man had been arrested on Thursday on suspicion of causing public nuisance. It did not name Alain Robert, known as “French Spiderman”, who ascended the 202-meter Salesforce Tower in the City of London without a rope or other safety equipment.

“Road closures meant a significant disturbance to local transport and businesses and their staff located in the building were also considerably affected,” said police commander Karen Baxter condemning the stunt.

People (L) look out of nearby windows as French urban climber Alain Robert, also known as “Spiderman”, climbs the 202-meter Salesforce Tower in central London on October 25, 2018, the tallest tower in the financial hub of the British capital, known as the City of London. (AFP photo)

Robert ended his mission at 2.14 p.m. when he reached the top of the tower, formerly the Heron Tower, and raised his arms to cheers from below.

Reports said the climber, who had previously tackled famous world landmarks like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, Taiwan’s Taipei 101 and the Lloyds building in London, had a shortlist of three buildings early on Monday before deciding which to climb. He said scaling towers was “his way of living”.

“I saw it. I touched it a bit. I tried it just a tiny bit. I am not really knowing much. It is only really when I start climbing that I know. I need to feel it,” he said, adding, “This is what I know as a way of living and expressing myself and living my dreams, my passion and living my life as fully as I can.

Police officers on the ground look up at French urban climber Alain Robert, also known as “Spiderman”, climbing of the 202-meter Salesforce Tower in central London on October 25, 2018, the tallest tower in the financial hub of the British capital, known as the City of London. (AFP photo)

Baxter, the police commander, said the act had a considerable impact on security forces, other emergency services and the local community as authorities had been forced to set up a cordon around the building and urge the crowd gathering in the area to keep out of the road.

“Our officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service all attended this incident, taking them away from genuine emergencies,” said the police official.

Passers-by look up at French urban climber Alain Robert, also known as “Spiderman”, climbing of the 202-meter Salesforce Tower in central London on October 25, 2018, the tallest tower in the financial hub of the British capital, known as the City of London. (AFP photo)

Robert admitted the risky nature of the act but said it was justifiable given his vast experience in the field.

“Definitely it is dangerous. I have a certain knowledge. I have a solid background,” he said.


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