Ford Transit Van problem!?

Hi, I have a strange problem with a hire van. I've noticed this part hanging off the back of it.

http://tinypic.com/r/359z8ef/5
http://tinypic.com/r/9rhitd/5
http://tinypic.com/r/2yyqe5v/5

Does anyone have any idea what it is, and if there is a quick and obvious fix? I can see nowhere obvious that the black attachment fixes, nor where the frayed steel rope came from.

Thanks for your help