Naked man spends 3 hours atop statue

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LONDON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Police in London said a man who climbed a statue and shed his clothing remained atop the monument for nearly 3 hours.

Authorities said the man, whose name wasn't released, was clothed when he climbed the statue of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, in central London about 1 p.m. Friday. He shed his clothing and broke off part of the statue, which he threw to the ground, the BBC reported Friday.

More than 200 yards of road were closed while police attempted to coax the man down, causing many nearby businesses to lose money.

Police said the man was detained under the Mental Health Act.

"You apply the appropriate amount of policing for the situation," a spokesman said. "Obviously in a situation like this, public safety is paramount."