DOZENS of hospital patients were evacuated this afternoon when a man covered in petrol threatened to set fire to himself.

Police and fire crews rushed to the scene at Bishop Auckland General Hospital at about 3.40pm when the man walked into the waiting room, poured petrol over himself and began shouting abuse.

The A and E department was immediately evacuated, some reportedly in beds and on crutches. The rest of the hospital was unaffected.

Minutes later the man in his forties, from Newton Aycliffe, was arrested under the Mental Health Act.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "Police were called to Bishop Auckland General Hospital just after 3.40pm following reports a man had poured petrol over himself in the waiting area of the A and E department.

"It was also reported he had a lighter in his possession.

"The area was evacuated and within a few minutes officers arrived at the scene.

"Fire crews then made sure the area was safe before patients and staff were allowed back into the building.

"The incident was over and done with in less than 15 minutes."

Edmund Lovell, spokesman for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, praised the quick action of workers at the scene.

He said: "Staff responded immediately and cleared the department, evacuating patients to a safe area, and calling in the police and fire service.

"I'd like to congratulate our staff for their swift and professional response to a very dangerous situation."