Police in Melbourne are locked in a standoff with a man perched atop a 120-metre-high pillar of the Bolte Bridge after he allegedly painted a giant Pam the Bird tag in a dangerous graffiti stunt.
Standoff Unfolds After Early Morning Incident
Emergency services were called to the bridge at around 3am on Tuesday following reports that a graffiti artist had climbed one of the bridge's towering pillars. Police allege the man abseiled down the pillar to paint the large Pam the Bird tag, which has been illegally appearing on Melbourne landmarks for years, often on hard-to-reach spots and heritage-listed buildings.
The artist remains on the structure as negotiations continue. Authorities have closed lanes on the bridge, causing traffic disruptions during the morning commute.
Pam the Bird: A Persistent Graffiti Tag
The Pam the Bird tag has become a recurring issue for Melbourne authorities, with the graffiti appearing on numerous high-profile sites. The tag is often placed in dangerous locations, raising concerns about public safety and property damage.
According to police, the individual involved is known to authorities and has a history of similar offenses. The standoff is ongoing, with specialist negotiators on scene.
