A man set himself on fire in a car in a visible protest against vaccination on a busy street in Melbourne.

According to foreign media, the Telegraph reports, the images show a silver car completely on fire near Church Street on the outskirts of Richmond around 20:00 on New Year's Day, while diners at nearby restaurants reported hearing "screams".

Witnesses said police and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before restraining the man.

He was then taken to hospital in an ambulance with life-threatening injuries.

Lydia O'Connor told The Herald Sun she was having dinner at a nearby restaurant when she heard her husband screaming.

"He threw gas at himself and his car.

"It was intentional," said Ms O'Connor.

"He was shouting about the new rules.

"He shouted: 'No vaccination card.'

In November, Victoria introduced comprehensive vaccine mandates for several industries, requiring workers to get the vaccine or show evidence of medical exclusion if they want to continue working in the country.

They apply to healthcare facilities, schools, construction sites, retail and transportation, as well as to several other industries.

Police cordoned off the area after the incident and told customers of surrounding businesses to stay inside.

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Telegraphy

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