A mental health patient says he was discharged from hospital with "the rope he tried to hang himself with" just three days before.

Daniel Durrant, 40, was admitted to the Shrewsbury Ward at Oxleas House, based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, on July 30 after he was found with a rope around his neck on a bridge over the A2 in Charlton.

Police were called when members of the public saw him on the wrong side of the barrier tying rope to the railings.

Officers were able to pull him back and he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Daniel spent three days in hospital before being discharged, and says there was no mention of a follow-up or names of people to contact.

He told News Shopper: “I was discharged because they said the environment was wrong for me and I was referred to Bexley housing.”

He added: “When I left they handed me the rope I had used to try and hang myself. They handed me all my possessions, even my shoelaces. It’s like they want me to go and try again.”

Daniel said he felt like he had been palmed off by the doctors at the unit and was shocked by the treatment he received.

A spokesman from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust said: "When patients arrive on one of our wards, a search is undertaken to ensure that items are not brought on to the ward that could put themselves or other patients at risk. These are then kept in safekeeping for the individual. Any items that are illegal or offensive weapons would be removed.

"Patients are fully assessed to determine whether they are a risk to themselves or to other people before they are discharged. When discharge takes place, a patient's property is returned to them."

The spokesman added patients are offered follow-up treatment and support and links are made with family members and services in the community.

Anyone affected is urged to call Samaritans on 116 123, a line which is free 24 hours a day.