Australian set himself on fire in Melbourne bank, police say

An Australian man has set himself on fire at a bank in Melbourne, police said, injuring at least 26 people.

Six of them are in critical condition, while others suffered from burns and smoke inhalation - including children.

Police said the suspect walked into a Commonwealth Bank branch in the suburb of Springvale and set himself alight with a flammable liquid.

Police quickly detained the man who was sent to hospital for treatment while under police guard.

Acting inspector Jackie Poida from Victoria Police told reporters that it was "too early to tell" what the man's motives were.

Video taken by eyewitnesses of the immediate aftermath showed flames inside the bank branch and thick black smoke, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Another eyewitness said he heard a "huge blast" and saw people running out with severe injuries.