A Crawley man is fighting for his life after being found on fire in a graveyard.

The man, aged in his 20s, was whisked to hospital after when a member of the public spotted the man in the grounds of St Bartholomew’s Church, Church Road, Horley, Surrey.

A Surrey Police statement said: “Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for information after a man was found alight in a graveyard.

“The incident occurred just after 9pm on Monday when a member of the public spotted the man in the grounds.

“A group of people intervened and managed to extinguish the flames before police arrival.

“His injuries are described as life threatening and his next of kin has been informed.”

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Antony Preston said: “This was a deeply upsetting sight for those who witnessed it but I must praise their actions.

“We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the man came to be alight. “I would urge anyone who has any information on this incident to contact officers as a matter of urgency.”

Local officers from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team are assisting detectives with their investigation by carrying out enquiries in the local area. Both uniformed officers and detectives are currently at the scene in Horley.

Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 45140012062.