TOWER PANIC
Eiffel Tower evacuated hours before Olympics closing ceremony as shirtless Brit seen climbing 1,000ft landmark
Watch the shocking video of the man scaling the tower before being arrested
THE Eiffel Tower has been evacuated after a shirtless British man was spotted climbing it just hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.
Shocked onlookers watched the climber scale the 1,083ft structure and stand on top of the blue Olympic ring before continuing his dangerous ascent.
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He was caught on video making his way up the north face of the tower without a harness or ropes just moments before the final events were set to be completed on Sunday afternoon.
Incredible footage shows him reaching halfway up the giant landmark with just a bag of chalk to help him.
Other video shows the free climber being taken away in handcuffs by French police as tourists watch him from the viewing platform.
The Paris Prosecutor's office confirmed to The Sun that the man is British and he has been charged with endangering others and intrusion into a historic or cultural site.
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A Paris police spokesman earlier said: "At 2.45pm, an individual was seen climbing the Eiffel Tower.
"The police immediately intervened and arrested the individual."
The man can be heard saying "bloody warm, innit" as he is led away.
Security officials quickly cordoned off the Eiffel Tower as they evacuated the site at around 3pm.
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Those inside at the time of the ordeal were briefly locked up on the second floor, say reports.
They were allowed to leave around 30 minutes later once the man had been escorted from the area.
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Specialist climbing police were sent up the tower after it was cleared to check for any suspicious or unusual activity.
Tourists queuing up for the landmark were left unaware of the ongoing situation and were left frustrated after they were told to leave.
One social media user posted on X: "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. Super."
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Investigations are ongoing into the reckless climb.
The tower is not expected to be used in tonight's closing ceremony which is set to begin in the Stade de France at around 9pm.
It did play a major role in the opening ceremony however as it hosted the breathtaking comeback of Celine Dion.
France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced prior to today's major security breach that 23,000 police officers will be mobilised in the French capital this evening.
At least 3,000 extra officers will be stationed around the Stade de France where the ceremony is due to take place.
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It comes as Team GB recorded a valiant effort of 65 medals at Paris 2024, including 14 golds, during the summer showdown.
Meaning the Brits end seventh in the standings, tallying their lowest return of golds in 20 years.
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