Milton Keynes clubber hurt in Halloween hanging

A man was left in a critical condition after accidentally hanging himself on a noose at a nightclub in Milton Keynes.

The 25-year-old man was at Pink Punters on Watling Street where the rope had been set up as a Halloween prop.

Club owner Frank McMahon described the incident, which happened at about 23:00 BST on Saturday, as a "freak accident".

The man's condition has since improved and he has been able to talk to staff at Milton Keynes Hospital, Thames Valley Police said.

Mr McMahon, whose club attracts mostly gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people, said the prop was "low to the ground".

"It's just a rope with a large noose which doesn't go tight round the neck," he said.

"People use it so they can have photographs taken [with it] and we've never had a previous incident.

"We do have an excellent safety system in place and we believe it to be a freak accident."

Supt Barry Halliday said: "I would stress that it appears to be a tragic accident and is not any type of hate-related crime.

"Fortunately, the man's condition has improved considerably.

"Police will work with the local council and other partner agencies to investigate the safety of the event."