04 September 2023 , 21:25
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Police have swarmed a petrol station in Manchester after reports a man set himself on fire.
The man is fighting for his life after officers rushed to the Tesco petrol station in Blackley at around 7.30pm when they were called to concerns for his welfare. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical condition. Firefighters also responded, with the area cordoned off.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 7.35pm, officers were called to reports for the concern of the welfare of a man on Victoria Avenue East, Manchester. A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a life-threatening condition. A cordon remains in place."
Manchester Evening News reports that there is debris littered on the grounds of the petrol station forecourt, including what appears to be a "large, empty bottle". Forensic officers are also at the scene on Victoria Avenue.
Reporter James Holt said: "There is what appears to be debris on the ground, along with two fire extinguishers and a large empty bottle following the incident earlier."
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"A forensics officer is still taking swabs and evidence from the scene," he added. "The cordon is in place around the entire forecourt here tonight. There are numerous bottles of water also on the ground."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: "At 7.30pm this evening, firefighters were called to a supermarket on Victoria Avenue, Manchester. Two fire engines from Philips Park and Whitefield fire stations arrived quickly at the scene. Fire crews helped a male casualty at the scene, including trauma care, before they were conveyed to hospital via our colleagues at North West Ambulance Service. GMFRS remain at the scene.”
The petrol station is usually open until midnight, however following the incident it has been closed since 7.40pm. Pictures from the scene show a large cordon stretching around the forecourt, with several police cars stationed along the road. It's believed investigation work will continue overnight.