Man fighting for his life after 'setting himself on fire' outside McDonald's

Victim confirmed dead by police

Merseyside Police confirmed late on Friday night that the man had sadly died of his injuries in hospital.

A spokesperson said: "We can sadly confirm that a man has died following an incident on Queens Drive, in Walton, yesterday, Thursday, October 26. At around 5.50am it was reported that a 49-year-old man needed urgent medical attention after sustaining burns injuries.

"He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has today, Friday, October 27, sadly passed away. The death is not being treated as suspicious and next of kin have been informed. A file has been passed to the coroner."

McDonald's restaurant remains closed as officers speak to staff

The McDonald's branch on Queens Drive remains closed as police carry out enquiries.

A spokesperson for the company said: "We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier this morning at our Queen’s Drive restaurant. We are offering support to our restaurant team, and will assist the police in their enquiries."

Officers were earlier seen talking to members of staff and taking witness statements at the restaurant.

The McDonald's branch on Queens Drive remains closed (Liverpool Echo)

Officers 'focusing' on one particular area

Officers are inspecting one area in particular, which is pictured below.

Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Croll tweeted: "Ongoing investigations seem to be focused on this area with officers taking pictures."

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The fast food branch has been cordoned off (Liverpool Echo)

Footage of the cordoned off area

Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Croll is currently at the scene, which remains taped off.

He tweeted footage of the cordon, saying it stretches across the McDonald’s entrance to the drive-thru area.

In a further tweet, he added: "A man has just stopped his vehicle and pulled up on Queens Drive to tell a police officer he witnessed the incident which happened roughly around 6:30am this morning."

There are a number of police vehicles at the scene blocking the entrance with what looks like a handful of police officers carrying out investigations. @LivEchonews pic.twitter.com/nrtKjskX4l

— Ian Croll (@Iancroll1) October 26, 2023

Fire engine attended scene early this morning

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "[We] attended an incident on Queens Drive, Walton, on the morning of Thursday 26th October.

"Crews were alerted at 5.34am and one fire engine was on scene to assist Merseyside Police at 5.40am, we left the scene at 06.49am."

Officers remain at the scene (Liverpool Echo)

McDonald's cordoned off as forensics examine scene

Pictures show the McDonald's branch on Queens Drive cordoned off as police remain at the scene.

Forensics were spotted taking pictures outside the restaurant, near the car park and the drive thru area. Officers were also seen talking to members of staff and taking witness statements.

A forensics van at the scene (Liverpool Echo)

Merseyside Police statement in full

Merseyside Police confirmed a investigation has been launched into the incident.

A spokesperson for the force 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."

Officers have cordoned off the McDonald's (Liverpool Echo)