Photo: CTV

A distraught man has lit himself on fire at a McDonalds restaurant near Commercial Drive and East Broadway Avenue in Vancouver.

Witnesses say the man in his thirties was seen talking on his cellphone, and carrying a gas can. He was threatening to harm himself. Police were called and made contact, but he then poured fuel on himself and the store and lit a cigarette.

Vancouver Police were on scene and trying to negotiate with the man. Despite the efforts of the officers, the man lit himself and part of the restaurant on fire.

Officers used less lethal arwen rounds and members from Vancouver Fire and Rescue used a high-pressure water hose on the man.

The man was transported to hospital with serious burn injuries and the restaurant sustained some property damage.

The IIO are now investigating and there is no further information to release at this time.