‘French Spider-Man’ arrested after tower climb snarls up London’s financial hub
- Famous freeclimber Alain Robert caused ‘immense disruption to everyday business’, according to police
French urban freeclimber Alain Robert was arrested on Thursday after bringing parts of London’s financial district to a standstill by scaling the 46-floor Heron Tower – the area’s tallest building.
The 56-year-old “French Spider-Man” took about an hour to climb the 230-metre high tower without ropes or safety equipment, while traffic came to a halt as bemused crowds packed the streets below.
Police confirmed he was then arrested “for causing a public nuisance” and remained in custody.
“This is what I love to do,” Robert told a handful of reporters at a nearby hotel before his ascent. “I have pretty much dedicated my whole life to climb mountains, to climb cliffs, and now to climb buildings – but always ‘free soloing’, meaning I’m not using safety devices.”
The maverick climber has scaled more than 100 structures globally – including several in London – setting a record for “most buildings climbed unassisted”, according to Guinness World Records.