Poirot solves mystery of Christmas lights switch-on at St Katharine’s Docks

It took Agatha Christie’s private sleuth Hercule Poirot to use his little grey cells to turn St Katharine’s Docks into a blaze of colour.

You don't get Santa's hat any bigger than this one, all lit up at St Katharine's-by-the-Tower. Picture: Lucy Young - Credit: Lucy Young

Renowned actor David Suchet, best known for his role as the Belgian detective operating in 1930s London in the long-running ITV series, threw the switch for the festive Christmas tree lights.

St Katharine’s marina by the Tower of London has now been transformed by sparkling lights and a dazzling display of seasonal decorations.

These include a 15ft-high Santa hat which has proved an attraction for visitors to pose for pictures and a large fairy-lit anchor on Marble Quay.

The quayside was packed when Suchet turned on the festive lights on Thursday evening.

Blaze of lights on traditional Christmas tree that actor David Suchet switched on at St Catharine's Docks. Picture: Lucy Young - Credit: Lucy Young

Carol singing was led by the City Chamber Choir while mulled wine and mince pies were being served for the start of St Kat’s Christmas season.