THE MOTHER of a 36-year-old man found engulfed in flames in a pub toilet has spoken of her anguish.

Barry McCann, from Chester-le-Street, is fighting for his life after suffering 25 per cent burns during a mystery blaze in the toilets of the Warriors Arms pub, Front Street, Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street.

A fellow drinker found the double glazing salesman slumped between the urinals and the sinks with his shirt on fire, writhing in pain.

He was taken to Durham's University Hospital suffering from severe burns to his arms, hands, face and body plus possible internal injuries. He was transferred to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary's specialist burns unit.

His condition is described as serious by hospital staff, and his mother, Ann McCann, from Chester-le-Street, fears the worst.

She said: "I went to see him but I just did not recognise him. I'm praying that he pulls through.

"What happened is a complete mystery and we won't find out until the police come out with some evidence.

"If somebody has done this to him - because I know he had a lot of money on him that night - then it is absolutely wicked.

"To make matters worse his pregnant girlfriend is only a month away from having the baby."

Police are keeping an open mind about what caused Mr McCann's shirt to burn him so terribly. His shirt was destroyed by the fire and the remnants were found smouldering nearby. A cigarette lighter was also found on the floor but police have not yet established whose it is.

Mr McCann had been out with his heavily pregnant partner, Tracy Carr, on Sunday afternoon round Chester-le-Street before they went their separate ways.

He then went to the Warriors Arms for a family party taking place upstairs and wasn't seen to get into any trouble by revellers, until he was discovered in the toilet.

Sgt Tony Dumigham, of Chester-le-Street police, said: "Obviously we hope to speak to Mr McCann when he is well enough, but in the meantime I want to hear from anyone who saw him in the Warriors Arms on Sunday night."

Anyone with information should call police on (0191) 3884311.