Hong Kong: "French Spiderman" Alain Robert, who has become famous for illegally climbing buildings across the world, scaled a top Hong Kong hotel today, eyewitnesses said.

The 45-year-old urban climber scrambled up the outside of the 46-storey Four Seasons Hotel before being detained when he reached the roof, said one worker in a skyscraper close by who saw him reach the top.

The feat drew onlookers from nearby office buildings, including the neighbouring Two International Finance Centre, Hong Kong's tallest building, which Robert had been expected to climb once he announced his visit.

Robert was in Hong Kong to publicise his book "With Bare Hands" which looks at some of his climbing successes, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Opera House and many of the world's tallest skyscrapers.

He has declared his guerrilla climbing activity his "philosophy". On his website he boasts that he has made it to the top of 70 buildings and monuments around the world in his 12-year career.

Last year, he was deported from China for illegally conquering its tallest building, only to have Chinese officials invite him back in November to legitimately climb a mountain in the centre of the country as a tourist attraction.
Source : PTI