A MAN doused himself with petrol and tried to set himself on fire at a Kent filling station.

The man, who appeared distressed, was seen waving a lighter around on the forecourt of the Shell station in Sandling Road, Maidstone at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

He had covered himself and the area around him with petrol from the pumps and was attempting to set light his shirt when staff saw him.

The pumps were immediately turned off as members of staff and members of the public tried to talk to the man.

The police were called and two fire engines were sent to the scene.

The road was closed while police spoke to the man, who was thought to be in his late 30s.

He was taken into police custody and the road was reopened at about 3.45pm.

* Did you witness what happened at the Shell garage? If so please call the Kent Messenger newsdesk on 01622 695666 and tell our reporting staff what you saw.