White House on lockdown after man 'sets himself on fire' outside

The White House was placed on lockdown on Friday after a man on a mobility scooter set his jacket on fire.

The US Secret Service said the man had "lit his outer jacket on fire" while sitting along Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House.

The incident happened around 3.15pm local time, with officers immediately extinguishing the fire and administering first aid.

Four officers were seen carrying the man face-down out of Lafayette Square, which is across the street from the executive mansion.

An officer on the North Lawn as the White House was placed on lockdown (AP)

He was seen being placed onto a stretcher before being taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

It is unsure whether the man deliberately lit his jacket on fire or whether it was accidental.

UPDATE: A male subject operating an electronic wheelchair-type scooter lit his outer jacket on fire while sitting along Pennsylvania Ave. outside the North Fence Line. Uniformed Division Officers immediately responded, extinguished the fire and rendered first aid.

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService)

April 12, 2019

US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time of the lockdown, which left journalists and staff unable to leave the building.

He was in a meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police Executive Board at the time, according to his schedule.

Nearby 17th Street NW was also closed while the emergency services responded.