Horrific scenes outside the Trump trial as a man sets himself on FIRE in front of shocked media and onlookers

A man has set himself on fire outside the Donald Trump trial in horrifying scenes. 

The dramatic moment took place on day four of the former president's hush money trial in Manhattan.

NYPD officers arrived after the man doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze in front of the world's media, as well as horrified onlookers. 

Shocking video showed the as yet unidentified man twitching on the ground while engulfed by flames before another man ran over with a fire extinguisher.

Several networks including CNN were broadcasting live at the time and described the disturbing scenes as they unfolded. 

The man was near a large group of Trump supporters who said he started throwing yellow, pink and green pages in the air.

He then poured the can of gasoline over his head and set himself alight. 

 After a few minutes, dozens of police officers rushed over and tried to smother the flames. The man, who appeared to be alive, was loaded into an ambulance and rushed away.

Police said they are still working to understand the full circumstances. 

The terrifying incident unfolded outside the court room where jury selection was taking place.

CNN's Laura Coates was aghast as she narrated the situation.

'I see a totally charred human being,' Coates said.

More to follow