Two masked people climb to top of Empire State Building as mysterious flag flown

Two masked people have climbed the Empire State Building in New York City, before flying a huge banner. The pair, who appear to be a man and a woman, have their faces covered.

Dressed in ​sleeveless black outfits, they hung onto ​the landmark skyscraper’s antenna spire. The banner reads: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” according to CBS News. The pair were seen standing at the very top of the iconic skyscraper’s radio and television transmission tower at around midday on Wednesday. It is not yet clear how they managed to reach the summit of the structure, which extends high above the building’s observation decks. It was later cleared. The two appeard to embrac and kiss as NBC New York helicopters circled overhead. Police sources told CBS News New York the two appeared to be posting to social media while at the top.

Shortly after unfurling the banner, one of the climbers began making their way back down before returning to the top moments later.

By around 12.35pm local time, both individuals had begun descending from the tower.

Law enforcement were waiting below behind yellow police tape.

Despite the dramatic scenes unfolding above, visitors could still be seen going about their day on the Empire State Building’s observation deck below.

The stunt was also caught live on the iconic building’s official webcam, allowing viewers to watch the masked pair unfurl the banner high above Manhattan in real time.

The Empire State Building’s highest occupied floor stands at 1,250ft, while the landmark reaches a total height of 1,454ft including its transmission tower. It remains one of the 10 tallest buildings in the United States.

The banner’s message is reported to be a slightly modified version of a quote long attributed to guitarist Jimi Hendrix, although earlier versions have also been attributed to former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.

Police sources told CBS that the two have since been taken into custody.

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