Man ‘sets himself on fire’ outside London pub

Bouncer and drinkers rush to take man’s clothes off and put fire out, witnesses claim

The scene outside the Queen's Head in Chislehurst, Bromley, southeast London, where a man allegedly set himself on fire on 8 December, 2019. (UKNIP)

A man is fighting for life after reportedly setting himself on fire outside a London pub.

Police say the injured man was rushed to hospital after “committing self-harm” near the Queen’s Head in Chislehurst high street, Bromley, southeast London, on Sunday night.

Witnesses claim the man set himself alight in a car park following an argument.

Pictures from the scene show a silver Volkswagen, which is parked in a space outside a row of shops, with scorch marks along the driver’s side door.

Debris, including what looks to be a rucksack and a red petrol container, can also be seen strewn across the ground.

A bouncer and three people who had been drinking inside the pub reportedly rushed to the man’s aid.

A witness told The Sun he “would have been dead” if it wasn’t for the group, who tore off the man’s clothes and extinguished the flames.

A spokesperson for Bromley Police said: “We're being asked about road closures in Chislehurst.

“Officers were called at approx 9pm to reports of a man committing self-harm in high road, Chislehurst.

“London Ambulance Service attended and the man has been taken to hospital.”

The man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service, where his condition was said to be critical on Sunday night.

London Fire Brigade was also called to the scene.

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123.