Pickpocket row closes Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower has been closed to the public as workers protest over a recent rise in aggressive pickpockets.

The Paris monument is normally open every day of the year and brings in thousands of visitors daily. It sometimes closes briefly for bomb threats or strikes.

The company that manages the tower said in a statement it did not open today because the staff are concerned about petty crime around the site.

It said it is working with police to reach a solution so the landmark can reopen.

The walkout comes a day after Paris authorities said crime against tourists had dropped this year thanks to reinforced police presence and video surveillance.