Paris Olympics: Video shows man climbing Eiffel Tower – prompting evacuation hours before closing ceremony | World News

The area around the Eiffel Tower has been evacuated after a man climbed the Paris landmark hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.

The shirtless man was spotted near the Olympic rings adorning the second section of the monument, just above the first viewing deck.

It is unclear where he began the ascent of the 330m (1,083ft) tall tower.

French police said they “immediately intervened and arrested” the man.

Some visitors who were briefly locked on the second floor were allowed to exit around 30 minutes later.

Videos posted on social media showed the bare-chested climber skirting the Olympic rings as he made his way up without ropes.

In one, the grinning climber can be heard saying to bystanders “bloody warm, innit?” as he is escorted off the viewing platform by police.

The Eiffel Tower served as a backdrop of part of the opening ceremony, with Celine Dion serenading the city from one of its viewing areas.

It is not expected to be part of the closing ceremony, however, which is set to begin at Stade de France later today.

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The closing ceremony will be held under the tight security that has been deployed throughout the games.

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Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 3,000 police officers would be mobilised around the Stade de France, while 20,000 officers and other security personnel will be mobilised late into Sunday night around Paris.