Man protesting Covid restrictions sets himself ablaze in front of diners in Australia

A man who appeared to be protesting covid-19 restrictions has suffered life-threatening burns after setting himself on fire in his car.

The incident occurred in Richmond, Australia, last Saturday, Dec. 25.

The man was allegedly heard screaming about the country’s strict coronavirus restrictions before he set himself ablaze in a silver hatchback, outside a local restaurant.

Police and firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames with water but needed the help of five other people to do so.

Other bystanders helped police to restrain the man until the officers were able to pin him to the ground.

He was then taken to hospital, via ambulance, where he was treated for “life-threatening injuries”, police said.

One witness told local news that the man’s flesh was “burning before the flames were put out with water”.

“He was off his face screaming about the mandates.”

And another witness, Lydia O’Connor, who was having dinner said: “He poured gas on himself and on his car – It was on purpose.

“He was screaming about mandates. He was screaming ‘no vax ID’ and throwing books.”

Victoria Police confirmed the reports of a man “self-harming”.