A MAN died today after he turned himself into a human fireball in front of horrified neighbours.

Martin Reynolds, 31, torched himself near his home in Waterville Road, North Shields. Neighbours said he was distraught after splitting with his girlfriend.

He left his home, doused himself in petrol and set it alight, at around 5pm on Wednesday.

Shocked residents tried to quench the flames with water in the minutes before fire crews arrived.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Martin split up with his girlfriend and apparently just couldn't cope.

"He went out, bought a gallon of petrol and tipped it over his head. I can't believe anyone could do that."

One witness said: "He must have been in agony. Everyone in the street seemed to come out of their houses when it happened, but nobody really knew what was going on.

"Afterwards he was just lying and not moving while the paramedics were busy trying to help him."

Firefighters from Tynemouth brigade and ambulance crews were called and Mr Reynolds was taken to Newcastle General Hospital's intensive care unit suffering severe burns, where he died this morning.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "This is a tragic case and there are no suspicious circumstances.

"A report will be submitted to the coroner."