A demonstrator from climate activist group Extinction Rebellion is attempting a 'free solo climb' of Big Ben.
The climber, who has been named as tree surgeon Ben Atkinson by the group, can be seen on the scaffolding.
The 43-year-old is allegedly dressed as Boris Johnson.
A spokesman for the group said Mr Atkinson was planning to drop an Extinction Rebellion banner from the tower – currently under maintenance and surrounded by scaffolding – to “highlight Government inaction on the climate and ecological emergency”.
A statement from the City of Westminster Police reads: "Police were called at 15:33hrs on Friday, 18 October to reports of a man climbing up scaffolding surrounding Big Ben.
"Officers remain on scene."
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