The National Gallery in London was caught in the midst of a significant police incident when a distressed individual made his way onto the roof of the iconic institution. The incident unfolded yesterday afternoon when the man, described by authorities as visibly distressed, managed to climb onto the roof of the National Gallery. This event prompted an immediate response from law enforcement.
Videos circulating on social media depicted the man, dressed in a nondescript grey tracksuit, perched and occasionally seated at the edge of the gallery's gable and fascias located above the Sainsbury Wing. The unsettling scene raised concerns about the man's safety and intentions, leading the police to prioritize making contact with him.
As the situation developed, there were no further updates regarding the man's whereabouts, suggesting that he might have spent the night on the roof and had not yet descended. The Metropolitan Police spokesperson acknowledged that efforts were underway to establish communication with the individual. To ensure public safety, authorities urged the general populace to steer clear of the area surrounding the National Gallery.
In response to the incident, a substantial police presence was visible around the gallery premises the following morning. Trafalgar Square and its environs were cordoned off, causing disruptions to the normal flow of pedestrians and visitors. The Hazardous Area Response Team was deployed on-site, indicating the gravity of the situation and the potential risks involved.
The initial call to authorities occurred at approximately 2:35 pm on August 22nd, prompting the evacuation of the National Gallery at around 3:45 pm on the same day. The gallery's closure was announced to remain in effect until further notice, according to a spokesperson from the National Gallery.
A communication from the City of Westminster Police, posted on the platform formerly known as Twitter, explained the situation to the public: "Due to an ongoing incident, parts of Trafalgar Square near the National Gallery are closed. Please avoid the area." This message served as a caution to residents and visitors alike, advising them to stay clear of the affected vicinity.
Unfortunately, the incident also led to the cancellation of an upcoming event named "Summer on the Square," which was scheduled to take place in Trafalgar Square later in the week. The ongoing situation warranted precautions that impacted planned public activities.
Finally, the National Gallery's spokesperson confirmed that the situation persisted throughout the night and into the following morning. Eventually, at approximately 11:25 am, authorities were able to detain the individual under the mental health act, subsequently transferring him to a medical facility for assessment and care. This resolution allowed the National Gallery to reopen its doors to visitors around noon. Additionally, plans were reinstated for "Summer on the Square" to proceed later in the day.
In light of this incident, an investigation has been initiated to ascertain how the individual managed to access the National Gallery's roof, shedding light on potential security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Jean Dubreil