A hospital has apologised to a man who was treated in a cupboard for three days due to a shortage of beds.

Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, which serves Epping Forest, said the storage room was being used temporarily due to high demand.

Michael Steel, 63, told the Mirror: “I initially thought I was in some kind of private room when I woke in the morning.

"Then I realised I was in the stock room. There were bottles, tablets and needles.”

A Princess Alexandra Hospital spokeswoman said a comprehensive risk assessment was undertaken and Mr Steel was considered "low risk".

She said: "We fully accept that this arrangement was far from ideal.”

"It did, however, allow us to carry on treating emergency patients.

"We apologise unreservedly to Mr Steel and his family and would be happy to meet him to explain in more detail the reasons behind this decision."

Last week accident and emergency faced an “unprecedented volume of acute patients”.

The hospital had asked people not to attend the emergency department unless they have a life-threatening condition.

In a new series on the NHS, the Guardian will feature experiences of patients, their families and staff of treatment provided across east London and west Essex. As A&Es continue to struggle with demand and politicians argue over the future of healthcare, we will publish first-hand accounts, features and news stories on the latest developments. We want to hear from you if you have something to say about your local hospital, GP surgery, or clinic. Click here for contact details of reporters covering your area. Alternatively, you can submit a story here.