The incident left the boy, from Aberdeen, with over 70 per cent burns. Police investigating say that so far it seems like a prank that went too far, rather than deliberate.
Witnesses recalled seeing a boy in fire ‘from the neck down’ running around and screaming out. One witness told local news: “It was just horrid. He was on fire from the neck downwards, his clothes were sticking to him.
“They weren’t really big but they were enough to do a lot of damage to him.”
Chief Inspector Nick Topping confirmed that the boy was in a critical condition. He said: “I can confirm that a young boy who was injured is 7-year-old Preston Flores.
“We can advise that he was transferred last night from Royal Aberdeen children’s hospital to ITU unit at the Royal hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. We understand he is still in a critical condition.
“Our investigation into this tragic incident will continue today and I would reiterate that so far there has been no evidence of any deliberate act.”
A relative of Preston’s told a local newspaper: “They were just mucking about. His mates were chucking petrol on him. They had lighters and were sparking them.
“Next thing I know he’s running down the street screaming. I’ve never seen anything so horrible.”
While the investigation continues anyone who witnessed the incident are urged to come forward and call the 101 non-emergency number.