A MAN tried to turn himself into a human fireball in front of horrified nursing staff in the casualty department of the Royal Bolton Hospital early today. The 37-year-old was overpowered by a police officer and hospital staff after he poured three litres of petrol over himself - then failed in two attempts to ignite it with a cigarette lighter. He was wrestled to the ground as more police arrived.

He was arrested and detained overnight in a cell at Bolton Central Police Station. Officers later this morning were waiting to interview the man, who is facing charges of attempted arson and making threats to endanger life.

It happened at 1.55am today when the man walked into the accident and emergency department at the hospital carrying a petrol can.

The man, who has not been named but is from Westhoughton, confronted staff in the waiting area before pouring the contents of the can over himself. Hospital staff raised the alarm as the man - who was in a highly distressed condition - attempted to ignite the petrol with a cigarette lighter.

A police spokesman today praised the actions of the officer and staff at the hospital.

"They all acted very calmly when faced with a very distressing situation," said the spokesman. "The incident could have ended with catastrophic results."

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