Man Who Set Himself On Fire In Washington Dies

A man who set himself on fire in a part of Washington DC close to the US Capitol has died of his injuries.

Officer Araz Alali said the man died on Friday night at a hospital in the capital after being airlifted there with burns.

He said the man was so badly burned that he would need to be identified through DNA and dental records.

Witnesses said on Friday they saw the man pour a red canister of petrol over his head and then set himself on fire.

Vanessa Sink wrote on Twitter: "Just witnessed the craziest thing ever ... a man set himself on fire and danced down the Mall.

"A runner and passerby put the flames out. I didn't see him light the match, but I saw the flames engulf his body. It was incredible."

She said the man had been picked up by a helicopter and transported to a medical facility.

The incident happened just after 4.20pm EST (9.20pm UK time) in a part of Washington DC called the National Mall, between Capitol Hill and the White House.

The incident happened at a period of heightened tension in the capital, a day after a woman was shot for trying to ram her way into the White House and Capitol grounds and weeks after 12 people were shot at the Washington Navy Yard.

DC police spokeswoman Saray Leon said: "We have a report of a man on fire at 7th and Independence."

She said the man had been "conscious and breathing" when firefighters responded.

It is believed a police officer with the city's Metro Police attempted to help put out the blaze.

A dog was seen checking the scene with a police handler afterwards.