A teenager cried out in pain after being set on fire yesterday (June 15).

The 15-year-old girl had a flammable liquid poured on her in an Eltham church yard before it was lit at around 4pm.

A nearby resident, who did not want to be named, heard screams so rushed to the scene at the junction of Middle Park Avenue and Churchbury Road.

Taking his t-shirt off as he ran towards her he quickly wrapped it around her face and hair to put out the flames.

The man said: "I live on the green and she was in the churchyard.

"I was a bit shocked, it was pretty frightening.

"She was a young girl and I was shaken up.

"I kept her calm but she looked like she was in a lot of pain.

"She was just crying for an ambulance."

He added: "Her injuries could have been a lot worse.

"I just saw the girl on fire and just wanted to put her out because she was burning."

The teenager was conscious after the attack but her hair and face have been badly burned.

Police and ambulance staff were called and she was taken to a specialist burns unit.

It is alleged that she was attacked after she kissed someone else's boyfriend.

This has not been confirmed by police.

  • A 19-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and is in police custody.