Hong Kong man sets himself ablaze

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after after setting himself on fire inside Hong Kong's legislative council building.

Police said the man poured alcohol over his head and set it on fire, but security guards used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

The reason for his action was not immediately clear.

One legislator Martin Lee said the man had been holding a pamphlet complaining about the impact of sewage charges on businesses.

Although some Falungong followers are reported to have set themselves ablaze in Beijing's Tiananmen Square recently, a Hong Kong government spokesperson said there was no immediate indication that the man was linked to the sect.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service