Shard viewing gallery takes action against climbers

Shard Viewing Gallery Management Ltd said on Wednesday that it was seeking permanent injunctions, damages and costs against the trio who climbed from the viewing gallery into the 'spire' at the very top of the building.

"The safety and wellbeing of our staff and visitors is our absolute priority at the Shard viewing gallery and for that reason, we have a number of precautions in place to ensure the highest possible standards," said Patrick Allen, chief executive of The View from The Shard.

"The act of free-running or 'Parkour' is strictly prohibited.

"We will not tolerate unnecessary risk to the safety of our staff, visitors and members of the general public."

Elsewhere in SE1, notices to deter climbers were posted on the hoardings around the One Blackfriars skyscraper after urban explorers made unauthorised visits to the construction site.

Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle recently asked the Home Secretary to consider changing the law "to introduce provisions for bringing prosecutions against urban climbers and base jumpers who access tall buildings and major tourist attractions".

Home Office minister Nick Hurd MP replied: "The police have a range of powers to deal with criminal activity, which includes public order offences, aggravated trespass and anti-social behaviour.

"There are also measures that can be taken to combat trespass through civil courts. When criminal activity does occur, the decision whether to arrest individuals is an operational matter for the police in line with their duties to keep the peace, to protect communities, and to prevent the commission of offences.

"The Home Office keep the available police powers under constant review and work closely with National Police Leads to ensure they are fit for purpose and allow the police to respond appropriately to a range of offences."