Sword attacker to leave hospital

Samurai sword attacker Eden Strang is to leave a mental hospital and go back into his Sutton community, Scotland Yard said today.

A spokesman said that, as a voluntary patient, Strang could leave hospital at any time. It is the second time he has chosen to do so.

In 1999, the paranoid schizophrenic former computer programmer burst naked into a church in Thornton Heath, slashing 11 parishioners with a 3ft sword.

When news of his early release first broke in March, some of his victims expressed concern that he could reoffend. But following public fears, Strang decided to continue treatment for his mental illness.

It was unclear if he had moved to another hostel or readmitted himself to hospital, but Scotland Yard said he had asked to be moved away from Thornton Heath.

Police today said steps had been taken to inform the Sutton community to avoid another row over Strang living in the area. The spokesman said: "He appreciates the concerns the community will have."

Strang was cleared of seven counts of attempted murder and six of assault on the grounds that he was not responsible for his actions.