Man found of fire in Birmingham street

A man was fighting for his life today after being found on fire in a city street, police said.

Emergency services were called to Gooch Street in the Highgate area of Birmingham, at about 6am.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Members of the public tried to help the man prior to the arrival of ambulance and fire crews.

"The patient had suffered very severe burns. He was taken on blue lights to Selly Oak Hospital with ambulance staff treating him en route.

"Medics from the burns unit were awaiting his arrival at the hospital, he was said to be in a critical condition."

Inspector Andy Bridgewater, from West Midlands Police, said: "This man has suffered very serious injuries, which are thought to be life threatening.

"We are keeping an open mind as to how he may have suffered these burns at this early stage."