A French climber dubbed 'Spider-Man' has climbed down a 46-storey building in Brazil, without safety gear.

Alain Robert made his way down the 168-metre Italia building - the country's second tallest - watched by incredulous passers-by.

The 44-year-old told reporters that he had first attempted the feat more than a decade ago.

"This one is a very famous building in Sao Paulo. It used to be, for very long, the highest building in South America, and also because twelve years ago I didn't succeed.

"Of course after twelve years I was thinking maybe I should come back and I should try to do another attempt," he said.

Mr Robert was taken into police custody as soon as his feet touched the ground, while onlookers cheered and clapped.

The daredevil honed his skills in the French Alps before switching to buildings in 1994, and has since scaled some of the world's tallest skyscrapers.

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