New security measures for beleagured Blaine

A security check under way at the entrance to the enclosure

The area around the box is now enclosed by a metal fence, and security guards search visitors' bags before they can enter in a bid to end the attacks on the controversial magician.

Blaine's box has been pelted with numerous eggs, whilst others have tried to hit the box with golf balls. Laser pens and even fireworks have also been targetted at the eccentric illusionist.

Last weekend Linda Villar from Southwark Council's noise department told the Evening Standard: "We got complaints from residents who live on both sides of the river ... They complained about people shouting, screaming and swearing, along with someone banging a drum."

Blaine has also been tormented by a variety of media stunts – the Sunday Mirror brought Aldo Zilli to Potters Fields to prepare a barbecue in sight of the illusionist, whilst LBC 97.3 ordered ten of Blaine's favourite pizzas from Domino's Pizza which were shared amongst the assembled crowd whilst Blaine looked on.

The magician's girlfriend Manon von Gerkan has become exasperated with the antics of the press: " This is a cruel stunt and is bad karma for David. It's all so tasteless!" she told the Sunday Mirror.

One newspaper sent in three models who stripped naked in full view of Blaine, whilst reports suggest that another paper is planning to hoist a box with a naked, gyrating female dancer inside to tease the illusionist.

Another reporter flew a remote-controlled model helicopter, with two McDonald's hamburgers and bags of chips dangling from it, round and round the showman to tease him.

Events in Potters Fields have caused traffic congestion on both sides of the river, as drivers approaching Tower Bridge from the south slow down to catch a glimpse of Blaine.

A surreal touch is added to an already bizarre spectacle by the presence every day of a man dressed as Saddam Hussein, complete with beret and military uniform.