The man's injuries are not said to be life-threatening

The 22-year-old man, who has not been named by police, was seen climbing over railings and jumping from the 245 ft high Bristol bridge at 1555 GMT on Saturday.

Seconds later, he caught fire before plunging into the River Avon below.

The man has first-degree burns to his lungs, but they are not thought to be life-threatening.

One eye-witness told BBC News Online: "He walked up the bridge and clipped himself on.

Jumping and parachuting from the bridge is contrary to the bridge by-laws and by its very nature is an extremely dangerous activity Suspension bridge spokesman

"After the jump, he set himself alight and then attempted to cut the rope.

"But his knife was blunt, so he hung there for more than 20 seconds before dropping into the water and swimming off."

The man was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary and later transferred to the specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in the city.

A spokesman for the Clifton Suspension Bridge said the incident was very distressing for the visitors and bridge staff who witnessed it.

He added: "Jumping and parachuting from the bridge is contrary to the bridge by-laws and by its very nature is an extremely dangerous activity.

"We understand one of the people involved in this incident is in hospital suffering from burns and we hope he will make a full recovery."