Eiffel Tower closed as climber attempts to scale iconic monument

A man who climbed the Eiffel Tower and sparked an evacuation of the iconic Paris landmark on Monday afternoon has been caught by police.

The company that operates the tower told AFP it followed standard procedure by evacuating the tower after the climber was spotted, adding that police were called to the scene.

The esplanade underneath the monument was also evacuated.

"We kindly advise our visitors to postpone their visit," the SETE added on Twitter.

Police had earlier made contact with the climber but were unable to learn why he began his ascent via the iron beams, a police source told AFP.

In October 2017 the tower was also evacuated after a young man ventured out on one of the beams and threatened to commit suicide, before police were able to convince him to come back.

Nearly seven million people a year visit the 324-metre-high structure, which last week celebrated its 130th anniversary.

The first two floors can be reached by either elevator or stairs, but only elevators whisk people to the top observation deck.