A man has scaled a huge ‘skyscraper crane’ and is refusing to come down as part of a bizarre protest in east London.

The masked and hooded demonstrator has unfurled a banner referencing ‘black lives matter’ during the eight hours he’s spent up the crane so far.

People first noticed his presence at the building site in Hallsville Road, Canning Town, first thing this morning.

He originally unfurled a banner that read simply ‘Black Lives Matter’ before expanding it at around noon.

The new message read: ‘Black lives matter just as much as whites. Dads’ lives matter just as much as mums. Enough is enough’.

It’s thought the man is planning to stay for several days and he’s been seen walking around on top of the crane and dangling precariously close to the edge.

It’s not known how he managed to scale the massive structure which is being used as part of the construction of a new housing development that will eventually feature 600 homes.

A crowd of onlookers have gathered at the edge of the site alongside police and paramedics and the area around the crane’s base has been cordoned off.

Protest group Fathers4Justice, who are known for their outlandish stunts, have denied being behind the protest.

A Met Police spokesman said earlier: ‘We were made aware about 7.30am this morning about a protest at Hallsville Road in Canning Town, a man has scaled a crane at the location, officers are on scene. No arrests, enquiries are ongoing.’ 

A spokeswoman confirmed officers remained at the scene at around 3pm.

Power has been turned off to the structure, while police have made no attempt to climb it.  

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