by Rachel Ogbu

A woman and her child stared helplessly as the child’s father set himself on fire in front of them yesterday in the Townspark housing estate in Navan, Co Meath.

Children playing around are believed to have witnessed the horrific event.

The incident took place at about 6.20pm shortly after as Pat Dunne, 42, arrived his ex-partner house and was heard shouting.

Suddenly eyewitness said he doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire as his ex, Nikita Campbell watching with her child.

According to reports, neighbours rushed to the scene with water and towels to help but Dunne died at the scene following what has been described by a “personal tragedy”.

Campbell told the Herald, that she is “distraught” and “shaken”.

“We are trying to get through this. We are distraught, shaken… I have the kids to think about,” she said.

“He came to the garden and was screaming… It’s a difficult time,” she said.

Herald reports:

Neighbours who heard the commotion ran out and poured buckets of water over the man in an attempt to put out the flames.

There were a number of children out playing in the estate at the time, while others watched the scenes unfold from their windows.

One local mother said she tried to save Mr Dunne by pouring water and placing towels on him.

“It was the most shocking thing I’ve ever seen. I ran so fast over to him after being told he was on fire.

“Other neighbours came out and we poured buckets of water over him. But he was gone within seconds, the petrol just destroyed his face and body.

 

SEVERE

“The fire brigade and ambulance came and we knew he was dead. It’s so sad to think anyone could do that to themselves.”

He was rushed to hospital but died from severe burns to his body.

Gardai described the incident as a “personal tragedy”.

The window of the front room of the property had burn marks on it today.

A source told the Herald: “The man was going through a very bad time and this episode has shocked the area”.

Mr Dunne is originally from Kells.