Man released over petrol attack

Neighbours said the attacker jumped over the garden wall

A man arrested over a petrol attack in Hartlepool which left a 38-year-old man with severe burns has been released after being questioned by police.

The victim remains critically ill after being set alight on the doorstep of a house in Annandale Crescent.

A 29-year-old man held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released with no further action to be taken.

A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder is still being questioned by officers.

The victim underwent surgery at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he had two fingers amputated.

Neighbours said he was attacked by a man who jumped over the front garden wall.

After being set on fire, he ran back inside the house, where he was found by firefighters.

One neighbour, who tried to rescue the victim, was overcome by smoke and suffered leg injuries when he jumped from a window.