Man sets himself alight at cinema

More than 70 people were forced to leave a cinema in Bedford after a man set fire to himself in the foyer.

The man went into Cineworld in Aspects Leisure Complex on Monday evening and poured petrol over himself before setting it alight.

The cinema manager managed to get the 21-year-old man outside and rolled him on the ground to put out the flames before he was taken to hospital.

It is believed the man had earlier been sacked from his job at the cinema.

He was taken to Bedford South Wing Hospital where he is in a critical care unit with burns to his chest, legs and arms.

The cinema manager was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.

Bedfordshire Police said there was some fire damage to the foyer and smoke damage to other areas, and the cinema is expected to be closed for two days.