TOWER Bridge has been closed after a man climbed up the iconic landmark to sit on the suspension railings.
It is unclear how the individual managed to scale the popular Grade 1 listed bridge at this time.
@ChrisdyannUribe / XA person has climbed the railings on Tower Bridge[/caption]
@ChrisdyannUribe / XTower Bridge is currently shut down as a person climbs on the railings[/caption]
Twitter/@LycoApolloBystanders look up at the man on the blue arch[/caption]
The man appears to be dressed in a grey hoodie, black trousers and black trainers.
Tower Bridge has now been shut down, with traffic and boats grinding to a standstill.
Emergency crews were called to the scene around 10.40am on Monday.
City of London Police said on X, formerly Twitter: “Tower Bridge is closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a person who has scaled the railings.
“Please avoid the area where possible. Updates to follow.”
One person wrote: “This dude just chilling on Tower Bridge right now.
“Traffic and boats all disrupted.”
Fire engines and other emergency services were summoned to the scene.
Footage from Tower Bridge shows a number of people crowded around as they look up at the hooded individual on the blue arch.
Stunned bystanders were seen taking photos of the man who has scaled the railings to extremely dangerous heights.
The incident has sparked congestion to Limehouse back along the Highway and in the one-way system back to Aldgate.
Buses are also understood to be on diversion.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters are responding alongside the police service to reports of a person on Tower Bridge.
“The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1040, and firefighters from Lambeth River, Whitechapel, Edmonton and Soho fire stations are at the scene.”
Meanwhile, the Blackwall Tunnel is shut southbound following a crash.
Police have confirmed a lorry collided with part of the tunnel at around 8.50am.
It comes after a man climbed Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower on the weekend holding a Palestinian flag.
He was eventually arrested after standing on a ledge for hours.
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