A MAN found inside a burning vehicle outside a Southampton supermarket has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The emergency services were called to the Portswood branch of Waitrose after a man in his 20s "set himself on fire" at around 8am yesterday.

People living and working in the area said a member of Waitrose staff rushed over to the car and attempted to douse the flames.

Daily Echo:

Staff employed in shops opposite the supermarket spoke of their shock after learning about the horrific incident, which happened at around the time the store opened.

One trader said: "We've been told someone set himself alight in the car park. One of the Waitrose people went over and threw water over him.

"It sounds pretty harrowing."

Another trader added: "I heard a load of sirens and saw police and fire engines buzzing about."

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "We were called at 8.09am following reports that a man had set himself on fire.

"A man in his 20s sustained life threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he remains at this time.

"A scene was in place while officers conducted enquiries earlier this morning, but has since been stood down and the car park has been fully reopened."

South Central Ambulance Service added: "Around 8.10am we received reports of a man in his 20s having poured flammable liquid on himself and ignited it whilst in a vehicle outside Waitrose on Portswood Road.

"We sent an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Critical Care Response Vehicle to the scene.

"Following initial treatment, the patient was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries."