Man sets self on fire in front of NYC church: police

A 48-year-old man died after setting himself on fire in front of a Manhattan church early Thursday, police said.

Police said a witness called 911 to report that the man had set himself on fire about 2:30 a.m. at the corner of East 16th Street and Rutherford Place, a tree-lined corner where St. George’s Episcopal Church is located. Have installed it.

EMS workers pronounced the unconscious and unresponsive man dead at the scene.

His name has not yet been released, pending notification of family.

Police said it was not immediately clear how the man set himself on fire and the investigation was ongoing.

A white sheet, crime scene tape and evidence markers could then be seen just outside the church. Stuyvesant Park, as well as some brownstone buildings, are located at the intersection.