An Egyptian man set himself ablaze and was rescued by police and passersby in Tahrir Square, in the capital Cairo, while protesting against “corruption and poor living conditions”.

The man said he was fired from his job at a bank for exposing corruption involving state officials, according to Middle East Eye.

In a Facebook livestream, the man said his life had been ruined and he was unable to earn a living.

He then doused himself with an inflammable liquid and told security officers in Tahrir Square not to come near him.

He said the country was being destroyed by a small group of “thieves”.

The man set himself ablaze and was wrestled to the ground by security officers who put out the fire.