Detectives have appealed for witnesses after the victim, named locally as Michael Webb, suffered horrific burns to his head and arms during the incident in Annandale Crescent, Hartlepool.

The Mail reported exclusively yesterday that the man sustained the injuries after apparently having petrol thrown over him and being set on fire.

Police have confirmed that the victim, who they said was 38, is being treated at the RVI Hospital in Newcastle.

A second man, who went to his aid, is in the University Hospital of North Tees with leg injuries after jumping from a first floor window at the house.

Shocked neighbours described yesterday how they had seen what they had initially thought was water being poured over the victim, who was stood on his doorstep.

But it appears that the liquid was petrol. The fuel ignited and the man fell into his home, with the door slamming behind him.

One woman had said: "I feel cold now when I think about it."

She added: "The fire crews appeared and dragged him out and put him in the garden.

"They laid him on the grass. He looked absolutely lifeless to me."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called by the fire brigade to a blaze in Annandale Crescent at around 2.05am on Tuesday. On arrival, there were two injured men. One had suffered leg injuries as a result of jumping from a first floor window. He was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees for treatment.

"The second man suffered very serious burns and was removed from the first floor of the house. He was taken to the RVI in Newcastle, where he remains today in a critical condition.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and investigations are ongoing."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police's incident room on (01642) 302126 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555 111.