THE mother of a 36-year-old man who is fighting for his life after a mystery fire, spoke last night of her anguish.

Barry McCann, from Chester-le-Street, is critically ill after suffering 25 per cent burns at the Warriors Arms pub, Front Street, Great Lumley, County Durham.

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

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham suffering from severe burns to his arms, hands, face and body, and possible internal injuries.

He was transferred to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary's specialist burns unit, where he is under sedation.

His condition is described as serious, but 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, then it is absolutely wicked."

Police are keeping an open mind about what caused the fire. Remnants of Mr McCann's burned shirt were found smouldering nearby. A cigarette lighter was also found on the floor, but police have not yet established its owner.

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

He then went to the Warriors Arms for a family party taking place upstairs.

Anyone with information, or who saw Mr McCann in the Warriors Arms on Sunday night, is asked to contact police on 0191-388 4311.