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Spiderman foiled by Canary
By George Wright and Colin Freeman Last updated at 00:00am on 18.10.02
Alain Robert: Defeated by Canary Wharf
He is known as Spider-Man for his incredible ability to climb the world's tallest structures without so much as a rope. Today, however, stunt man Alain Robert met his match at Canary Wharf - one of the few buildings he has yet to conquer - and had to be rescued by a window cleaner.
Workers in the 800ft office block were amazed to see Robert - the star of a recent BBC promotional campaign - scuttling past their windows. Police officers could only stand and watch as he disappeared up the south side of the tower.
Eyewitness said the initial pace of his ascent was "breathtaking" - but rain and wind conspired to trap him 10 floors from the top of the 50-storey building.
Finding himself in difficulty because of the slippery conditions, Robert was forced to wave to window cleaners in a cradle nearby. They helped him into the cradle before taking him to safety through a window on the 43rd floor.
Inside, Robert was treated to a hot cup of tea - and a stern talking to from police, who are not expected to press charges.
Builder Tony Cowley, 32, watched from a nearby tower. He said: "He shot up really fast, just like Spider-Man, but I think it must have been cold. He must have been stuck for a good half hour. You could see him waving his arms around to get his circulation going."
It is the second time the Frenchman has attempted to climb Canary Wharf - in 1995 he was arrested but let off with a caution.
A spokeswoman for Canary Wharf Estates, which runs the tower, said it was considering suing Robert and his backers - thought to be a company making an advert for an internet casino - for the cost of the rescue operation.
