Overview
- The woman’s clothing appeared to catch fire outside flats on St Leonards Street, Edinburgh, and the incident occurred at about 12.10pm on Monday, June 22.
- Members of the public, including two Royal Mail workers and a passerby who threw water, tried to smother the flames and assist the victim before emergency crews arrived.
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised two appliances, extinguished the blaze and handed the scene to Police Scotland after crews left around 1.07pm, according to official statements.
- The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital with serious burns and remains in a critical condition while police continue inquiries.
- News outlets reported distressing eyewitness footage that some publishers chose not to release, and reporting noted the incident happened during a UK heatwave that has set record June temperatures.