A DISABLED man turned into a human fireball after a vicious attack in his own home has amazed relatives with his continued fight for life.

Michael Toye, 43, was doused in liquid, thought to be white spirit, and set alight leaving him with 50 per cent burns to his legs, chest, chin, lips and eyes.

Still fighting His family and doctors caring for him at Salisbury District Hospital feared he would not make it through the first 48 hours but to their amazement Michael is still fighting on.

Michael, of Simmons Close, Hedge End, is currently in a stable but critical condition with chances of survival still very slim.

Since arriving in hospital he has had two skin graft operations and was due for a third operation today if doctors feel he is strong enough for more surgery.

According to his cousin Karen Bishop, Michael was targeted in his ground-floor flat in the early hours of Thursday morning.

It was not until 9am that Michael himself raised the alarm.

It is still not known what happened between the hours of 4am and 9am but police believe Michael may have tried to treat his burns himself.

Roger Bishop, Karen's husband, said: "He is still fighting on and hanging on in there.

"There's not been much change although he did take a turn for the worse Saturday night when he had trouble with his breathing.

Praying "The doctors said the first 48 hours were crucial and he has managed to get through that so we are still hoping and praying that he will hang in there.

"Michael is a very nice chap and unfortunately he is a very trusting person and sees the good in everybody. However, as this proves the world is not always full of nice people."

A 17-year-old man has been detained in connection with the incident and is currently helping police with their investigations.