Man critical in hospital after 'setting himself on fire' outside McDonald's

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after 'setting himself on fire' outside a McDonald's in the North West.

The incident happened outside the fast-food restaurant on Queens Drive in Walton, Merseyside, at around 5.50am this morning (October 26). Emergency services were scrambled to the scene and the man, aged in his 40s, was rushed to hospital, the Liverpool Echo reports.

He suffered serious burns and remains in a critical condition. Witnesses at the scene described how the man reportedly 'set himself on fire' and detectives confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.

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An investigation is ongoing with a cordon in place surrounding the McDonald's. Forensic officers are on the scene near the car park and drive thru area.

Officers have also been spotted speaking to members of McDonald's staff and taking witness statements. A spokesperson for Merseyside police said: "We received a report of a concern for safety of a man in Walton this morning, Thursday 26 October.

"At around 5.50am it was reported a man, aged in his 40s, needed urgent medical attention for serious burns injuries. Emergency services attended and he has been taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

"An investigation is ongoing and a cordon remains in place at the scene."

Merseyside fire and rescue service also confirmed: "[We] attended an incident on Queens Drive, Walton, on the morning of Thursday 26 October. Crews were alerted at 5.34am and one fire engine was on scene to assist Merseyside Police at 5.40am, we left