The BBC's Steve Jones: "As clouds swirled at the summit, he was met by police"

But after his climb of more than 440 meters and 110 floors, he was arrested on the roof by police.

The man - Alain Robert from the French city of Valence - has been charged with criminal trespass.

.. and leaving Chicago police station after being charged

Bud Orich, a spokesman for the building, said the climber had not notified them of his stunt.

"When he got to the roof, he was immediately placed in police custody. It's a police matter," Mr Orich said.

Mr Robert's daredevil stunt attracted onlookers in Chicago's downtown, who crowded the busy Wacker Drive to gape at the spectacle.

After successfully completing his climb, he was met by police officers on the roof with handcuffs.

Repeat feat

Robert, who climbs for publicity, is well-known for his exploits.

He has scaled the Eiffle Tower and more than 30 skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building in New York.

The real Spiderman says: "Don't try this at home, kids"

He is reported to be the second man to have conquered the Sears building after Dan Goodwin, a Las Vegas stuntman who went by the name of "Spider Dan," made a successful attempt in 1981.

Later the same year, Goodwin made a similar attempt at the 100-storey John Hancock Centre, also in Chicago.

He eventually succeeded, despite attempts by the Chicago Fire Department who used water hoses to try and stop him.