The 38-year-old, from Copner, who was wearing a yellow jacket, unveiled a banner which read: "Equal rights for fathers. Change the law Mr Blair."

A police spokeswoman said he descended voluntarily from the 170-metre tower, still under construction, after talking to officers at the scene on Thursday.

The man, who was not charged, was making an independent protest.

The incident was not organised in connection with any group which campaigns for fathers' rights, the police spokeswoman added.

Acting Insp Bob Ralph, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "We are grateful that this gentleman spoke to us and came down of his own accord without injury to himself or any member of the public."