A man doused the inside of a car and threatened to set himself on fire after an argument with his girlfriend.

Police negotiators were called to Southchurch to talk the man out of trying to kill himself as firefighters stood by ready for action in Hamstel Road last night.

The man, who was believed to have a cigarette lighter with him, was persuaded to get out of the car at about 9pm.

Police were initially called at 4pm regarding a domestic argument which escalated into the suicide threat at about 8pm.

The man was taken into custody after the incident.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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