A Bradford man set on fire by muggers today told how he thought he was going to die when they doused him in petrol.

Three muggers sprayed the 26-year-old's clothes and body with petrol and put a lighter to it after he refused to hand over money.

Detectives today said the man could have been killed and fear the robbers could strike again.

The man, who has asked not to be identified, said: "I feared for my life.

"I refused to give them any money and they said if I didn't they would set me on fire.

"I told them I didn't have any money. They took my jacket off me and threw petrol on my arm. They found some money and set light to me for not giving them any cash when they asked.

"I was shocked, stunned and very frightened. I didn't think they were going to do it. I just thought it was a threat."

The man was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary following the incident in Parkfield Road, Manningham. He was allowed home after treatment.

Acting Superintendent Allan Doherty, of Toller Lane police station, said: "This was a horrendous crime.

"I cannot believe the extremes some people are prepared to go for just a few pounds.

"The man could have been engulfed in flames and killed. These people could do this again and the next time it could have tragic consequences."

Acting Supt Doherty appealed for information about the incident.

He said: "Someone in the community will know who these three people are. There is no reason to shield these people. What they have done is completely indefensible."

Faqir Rehman, chairman of Manningham Residents' Association, said: "This is a horrible attack on an innocent man. Robbery is bad enough but setting someone alight is very bad.

"People in the community will be worried that this could happen again, so I hope the culprits are found and punished."

The first suspect is of Asian appearance, in his early 20s, between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 7ins tall, slim and was wearing a dark coloured jacket. The second is of Asian appearance, early 20s, about 5ft tall, stocky, and was wearing dark clothing. The third is also of Asian appearance, early 20s, around 5ft 2ins tall and slim.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place between 9.30pm and 10pm on Wednesday, is asked to contact Toller Lane CID on Bradford 376285 or 376289 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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