To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
A shirtless man has been spotted climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris just hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.
French authorities have been forced to evacuate the famous landmark this afternoon.
It is not yet clear where the man started the ascent but he was spotted just above the Olympic rings, just above the first viewing deck.
In one video posted on X, a shocked eyewitness below the tower can be heard saying: ‘There is a dude climbing the Eiffel Tower. He just passed the blue ring. I don’t think he is wearing a shirt. Uh that is crazy.’
It also shows how the man appears to climb the tower in just a pair of black shorts and shoes with no climbing equipment.
Kevin Winston who posted the video on X wrote: ‘Some guy is climbing on the Olympic Rings at the Eiffel Tower. You can see him on the blue ring. Tourists are being evacuated for safety. Entry beneath the tower is closed. He took “climb the Eiffel Tower” too literally!’
Visitors were escorted away from the area by police at around 3pm this afternoon.
Some were briefly locked on the second floor of the 1,083ft high tower but were allowed to leave after 30 minutes.
More than 30,000 police officers have been deployed to Paris ready for this evening’s Olympics closing ceremony (Picture: Reuters)
The shirtless man was spotted just above the Olympic rings this afternoon (Picture: Getty Images)
As the Olympic Games come to a close, more than 30,000 police officers have been deployed around Paris and beyond to watch over the closing ceremony.
France’s interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, said about 3,000 police officers will be mobilised around the Stade de France where it is being held.
20,000 police troops and other security personnel in Paris and the Saint-Denis area will be mobilised late into Sunday night to ensure safety on the last day of the Games.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.