Man suffers life-threatening injures after setting himself on fire in street

A man’s been airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injures after setting himself on fire.

Local residents are said to have rushed into the street to help him, putting out the fire moments before the emergency services arrived at the scene near Salisbury.

The incident happened in Avon Drive, Alderbury, at around 12pm this afternoon with Wiltshire Air Ambulance landing at the scene shortly after events unfolded in the residential road.

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It’s understood the man purposely poured petrol over himself before setting the fire in what is likely to have been a mental health-related medical episode.

Two fire crews, two ambulances and several police vehicles were at the incident, with the road closed in both directions while 999 personnel work on the casualty, who suffered ‘major burns’.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We were called just after midday today (27/06) to reports of a man in his 50s having suffered major burns.

“He was taken to Southmead hospital by air ambulance with life-threatening injuries.

“The incident is not believed to be suspicious.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.

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