A man set himself on fire on a busy street in Islington, north London, on Friday as passers-by watched in horror.
The man was engulfed in flames as first responders used a fire extinguisher to try to douse the blaze, while screams could be heard from onlookers.
The Metropolitan Police said they were called to North Road at 9.25am after reports of a domestic disturbance.
“Officers attended and found a man in the street who then set himself alight,” a Met spokesperson said.
“Officers, along with members of the public put the flames out. The London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade also attended the scene.”
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Update to reports the man set him self a light in Islington north London yesterday pic.twitter.com/dpBHtYHpBl
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) December 14, 2024
The force confirmed that he was taken to hospital, where his condition was assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing. His next of kin have been informed.
An officer was also treated in hospital for minor burns but has since been discharged.
The Metropolitan Police said its Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.
As police were present when the man sustained his injuries, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called at 0944 yesterday (13 December) to reports of a person on fire on North Road in Islington.
“The fire had been extinguished once firefighters arrived on scene. Firefighters assisted emergency service colleagues by providing immediate emergency care at the scene to two people.Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.”
