From This is London - Blaine in Sniper Paint Balloon Horror!!!
Illusionist David Blaine came under attack today from a man using a catapult to splatter paint on his Perspex box.
In the most extraordinary incident in the Blaine saga yet, a smartly dressed man fired a number of balloons filled with pink paint at Blaine's cage at 3am.
One of them hit the target, waking the American and causing him to stare around in panic as he tried to work out what was happening.
The attacker had broken into a nearby derelict building and was using the upper floors to launch his fusillade.
The incident marked the culmination of what had already been a night of problems. First, youths had ignited a box of fireworks nearby and then two men came to blows in a row over a guitar one of them was using to serenade Blaine.
After the paint attack, a clearly irritated Blaine rose to his feet and covered that particular side of his box with a blanket.
The head of security at the site said defences had been tightened in recent days but he was still not hopeful that all potential troublemakers would be kept at bay.
Pat Prince, the director of Network Security, said: "We've had the full array now - egg throwing, golf balls, laser pens and now paint. But I don't think they'll ever run out of options. There's always something new these people can try."
He said that this morning's attacker broke into a derelict building at the rear of the car park behind the Blaine site. Leaning out of a window, he fired seven or eight shots at the illusionist before hitting the box.
Mr Prince added: "One of our officers who was patrolling in the area heard the twang of a catapult being fired and went to investigate. We detained the man and the police then arrested him.
"The frustrating thing is that once again this man was smartly dressed and well-spoken. You would think that middle-class, middle-aged people would know better.
"We've increased security. We have extra patrols around the perimeter and other things that I can't go into. This was obviously the newest stunt to affect us and you simply can't guess what they'll try next."
A Met Police spokeswoman said: "A 28-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of a catapult, going equipped to cause criminal damage. He is in custody at Walworth police station."
Since Blaine began his stunt 20 days ago, his security staff have fought a constant battle to maintain order against rowdy crowds.
As well as verbal abuse and daily threats, some members of security team have also been spat at. |
