Greek businessman sets himself alight in front of bank

The 55-year-old man had entered the bank in the northern city of Thessaloniki and asked for a renegotiation of his overdue loan payments on his small business and home, according to police, but was refused by the bank.

He then exited the bank and stood in front of the building where he covered himself in gasoline and lit his clothes.

Passing police officers rushed in and extinguished the fire.

He was taken to hospital and has suffered light burns to his neck, chest and back. Police said the burns were not life threatening.

Police also said it was the second time in two years that he had set himself on fire in front of the same bank. He had also said then that he could not pay his debts.

A local photographer caught the incident on camera. The man's name was not released.

The debt crisis in Greece has sunk the country into recession as consumption has slumped following a series of economic measures that have cut jobs and wages and increased taxes.

Businesses have closed down due to a lack of business and the unemployment rate has reached more than 16 percent.

Studies show many small businesses have reported a deterioration in their economic situation and are late paying bills.

It is expected the economy will shrink by more than 5 percent this year.