Eiffel Tower closed after person is spotted trying to scale it

France’s Eiffel Tower has been closed to visitors after a person has tried to scale it.

A rescue worker, top in red, climbs the Eiffel Tower while a climber is seen below him between two iron columns. Picture: AP Photo/Michel Euler

The Paris monument’s media office said the unidentified individual tried to climb up the tourist attraction on Monday afternoon.

But it was not clear how high the trespasser managed to get.

A Paris police spokeswoman said a team of firefighters including a climbing specialist is on the scene and in touch with the intruder, whose motivations remain unclear.

Officials have not immediately provided further information about the incident, and it is not known when the Eiffel Tower will reopen.

It is not the first time a daredevil has attempted the feat.

In 2015, British “freerunner” James Kingston climbed the edifice without safety ropes and without permission, dodging security cameras as he went.

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