A SECURITY GUARD is recovering at his Bishop Auckland home after being set on fire on his own doorstep.

The 43-year-old told of the horror of being doused in flammable liquid and set alight after he answered his front door.

The attack left him with burns to his hands, neck and chest.

He said he is now terrified of being left alone and will not open his front door to anyone.

The man does not wish to be identified for fear of reprisals but has spoken out in the hope that it will help police catch whoever carried out the unprovoked attack on Friday night.

He said: "I have no idea who did this. All I can remember is having what felt like cold water being thrown over me and the next minute I was ablaze.''

Police are hunting for four people in connection with the vicious attack in York Close, Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, at around 10pm. When the man answered a knock on the door there was nobody there so he walked outside and that was when lighter fuel was thrown over him and he was set on fire.

Luckily passers-by rushed to his rescue helping him to dowse the flames and rip off his shirt.

He said: "I don't know what would have happened if they hadn't been there. I would like to thank them for the way they helped me. They cooled me down and stayed with me until the ambulance arrived.

"The hospital has told me if it wasn't for that and the fact that I was wearing a thermal vest underneath my shirt I would have been seriously burned and scarred for life, or maybe even worse.

"I am constantly taking painkillers but I am not bothered about the pain, what frightens me is having to go out again.

"I have no enemies, I haven't been here long. I just hope these people have a conscience.''

Det Sgt Brian Wilkes from Bishop Auckland CID said: "This was an horrific attack and the victim was fortunate not to have been more seriously injured.

"We believe that four people were involved in the incident and would appeal for anyone who might have been in the area at the time and saw something that would help in our inquiries.''

Witnesses should contact Bishop Auckland CID on (01388) 603566 or telephone Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.

The attack follows the death of a Hertfordshire man who was dowsed in petrol and set alight near his home in the early hours of Thursday.

Police are looking for three youths in connection with his death.