Investigation into Eurovision stage invasion

Protest: BREACH OF SECURITY SAW MAN STORM STAGE AND TAKE MIC FROM SURIE

Eurovision’s operator is investigating how a protester managed to rush the stage during the UK’S performance and snatch a microphone from singer Surie.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced a probe was “already under way” into the seven-second incident, which left the 29-year-old contestant clapping helplessly mid-song.

Surie chose not to perform again after the intruder brought her rendition of Storm to a halt and shouted about “Nazis of the UK media,” adding: “We demand freedom.”

He is being questioned by police in Lisbon, Portugal, where this year’s contest was held.

Shedding new light on the security breach, a spokesman for the EBU said yesterday that the man gained access to the stage by climbing “into the camera run”. He then “reached the main stage via the bridge, pursued by security”, the spokesman continued.

“He was removed off stage after seven seconds and is being questioned by police.

“We take security very seriously and an investigation into what happened is already under way.”

Unfortunately for the UK entrant, the drama did not elicit enough support from the European public to make a mark on the contest.

The singer came 24th out of 26 entries during the annual contest, which was won by Israel.

After the event, she tweeted: “Well, I’ve always said anything can happen at Eurovision... I’m so proud of my performance tonight. I gave it my very best.”

It might not have been the triumphant night the UK was dreaming of, but at least our Eurovision entrant Surie avoided the ignominy of “nul points” during this weekend’s excruciating extravaganza.

Even a stage invasion and the potential bounce of a sympathy vote failed to propel the Brit anywhere near top spot.

With all the Brexit negotiations under way, is it too late to add a Eurovision escape clause into the mix?

Picture: Getty. The UK entrant is stunned when her performance is interrupted by a protester.