Illusionist David Blaine set to unveil latest stunt

NEW YORK: US magician and illusionist David Blaine is to perform his latest death-defying stunt later this month, this time suspended four storeys above New York's Times Square.  

The challenge will see the performer attempt to escape from shackles while dangling in the air, according to retail giant Target, which is teaming up with the Salvation Army for the charity event.   

Full details of the challenge are to be announced on Friday. 

Blaine's last major stunt involved spending a week in a water-filled sphere in New York in May, in a challenge that was supposed to culminate with him holding his breath for a record nine minutes.   

Instead, he was pulled from the globe after seven minutes when he appeared to struggle while removing chains around his hands and feet.   

The 33-year-old previously spent 44 days without eating while suspended in a glass box above London's River Thames in 2003. Other Blaine stunts have included being encased in ice for nearly 62 hours and spending 35 hours standing on a 30-meter pillar.