A MAN suffered serious burns after attempting to light a bonfire with petrol. The can containing the petrol exploded as he doused the fire. The 25-year-old suffered serious injuries to his face, arms and upper body.

Firefighters arrived on the scene in Penge and applied a pain-easing lubricant to the man's injuries before paramedics took him to hospital.

A spokesman at Beckenham Fire Station, said: "This was a very serious incident that could have very unfortunate consequences. Never attempt to put petrol or any other accelerant on a bonfire, the results could be disastrous."