Uproar in London

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(Bild: AP/James Manning)

Police in London have arrested a protester who climbed the clock tower at the British Parliament with a Palestinian flag. 

The protest action was only ended after several hours because the safety of the officers, the man and the public had to be ensured, as the police announced on Platform X. The scene in Westminster was cordoned off throughout the day.

Brought down after midnight
The protester had climbed the Elizabeth Tower early on Saturday morning and only came down again shortly after midnight (local time). Television pictures showed how he was brought down from the tower, where the famous Big Ben bell is located, using a fire department hoist.

Helpers talked to the man for hours to get him to come down.

(Bild: AP/Jeff Moore)

Man climbed up barefoot
Throughout the day, mediators had tried in vain to persuade the activist to come down, according to media reports. The police, fire department and rescue services were called in. In between, the man took off his shoes and continued to climb up barefoot. According to a BBC report, supporters on the ground shouted "Free Palestine" and "You are a hero".

The police did not initially provide any information about the man's motive. It was also unclear how he was able to climb the tower despite security precautions.