Source : Perth Now news
A notorious vandal known for his Pam the Bird graffiti has allegedly scaled the Bolte Bridge, sparking a major stand-off with police.
A rendition of the Pam the Bird image was painted atop the eastern pylon of the 140-metre bridge about 3am Tuesday.
The man abseiled the concrete tower in the early hours of the morning, spraying a large bird on the bridge and expletives in green paint beneath.
At 8am the vandal was seen moving atop one of the bridge’s huge pylon.
Police say the man is refusing to come down.
“Police allege the man is responsible for graffitiing the bridge earlier this morning,” a statement read.
One lane of traffic on the major thoroughfare has been blocked, and uniformed and water police are on the scene.
In footage shared by the vandal, the man could be seen seated atop the bridge.
“I’m not coming down until they lower the taxes,” he says in one clip.
Another video shows his feet swinging while the song Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows plays.
In one shot, the man raised his middle finger in the direction of the emergency services attempting to bring him back down.
“Will see you in the morning might have a quick nap,” another post read.
Police said they sent a “significant number” of resources to the scene, including uniform members and water police units.
“Police are currently working to get the man down safely,” they said.
The man who police allege is responsible for the prevalent Pam the Bird image, Jack Gibson-Burrell, has pleaded not guilty to more than 200 charges.
The 22-year-old was granted bail on the condition he lives in Geelong with his grandmother and does not possess graffiti or abseiling equipment.
The man atop the Bolte Bridge has not been identified.
More to come
