Eighteen months since construction began and the view of the Shard from 1,000 feet above shows it is already dominating the London skyline. The concrete core is now officially 800 feet tall can be clearly seen dominating the cityscape and crucially 72 floors have now been completed. This is the very same floor that will house the observation gallery where visitors will be able to enjoy incredible views of London. Pictured from a helicopter flying overhead just as the sun sets on the capital the almost translucent-looking tower adds a dramatic new element to one of the world's most famous cities

Credit : BARCROFT/Jason Hawkes