Inquiries are continuing after a man set himself on fire in a Newcastle office building today (Monday 19 January 2015).

About 11am police were called to a building on Wharf Road after staff became concerned about a man in the foyer.

As police arrived, the man has set himself alight. The officers, along with employees, were able to cover him in a fire blanket.

Due to smoke, workers in the building were advised to leave the premises as precaution

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he continues to receive treatment.

The two police officers and one of the office workers who rendered first aid to the man have received treatment for smoke inhalation.

Initial inquiries suggest no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s injury.

Detectives from Newcastle City Local Area Command are following a number of lines of inquiry, including whether the man may have been involved in a disputed commercial transaction.