Man dies after ‘setting fire to himself in woodland’

The fire brigade, ambulance service and police were alerted by a member of the public to a fire in woods behind a taxi firm off Queenswood Drive in the Headingley area.

The fire was reported shortly before 3pm yesterday and by 3.06pm paramedics had confirmed that the man had died.

It is believed that the man set himself on fire using a lighter and petrol, both of which were found at the scene.

A member of the public is thought to have attempted to put the fire out before the emergency services arrived.

Police are now investigating the man’s background.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

The man’s identity was not immediately known.

[email protected]