A MAN suffered horrendous burns to his face and chest after cops held him to the floor on a boiling hot day.

Shocking pics show James Bradford Nelson’s melted cheek and torso after police officers bundled him to the path in Citrus Heights, Sacramento last June.

4 James Bradford Nelson’s melted cheek and torso after police officers bundled him to the path Credit: CBS / Family Handout

He spent two months in hospital recovering from the face melting ordeal, with burns also on his legs and buttocks.

Nelson needed skin grafts and suffered liver and kidney failure as a result of the heat.

It is estimated the pavement had reached a temperature of 77C (170F).

Now Nelson is suing the police force for £19 million in general damages.

His claim reads: "During this time on the ground Nelson was screaming and yelling in excruciating pain.

4 Now Nelson is suing the police force for £19 million in general damages. Credit: CBS / Family Handout

4 Horrendous injuries to his chest led to him needing skin grafts and suffering kidney failure. It is estimated the pavement had reached a temperature of 77C (170F). Credit: CBS / Family Handout

4 Nelson, suffers from a variety of mental illnesses, was acting erratically close to a KFC prompting cops to arrive Credit: CBS / Family Handout

"However, the officers forced his head down onto the hot pavement, leaning onto it with such force that Nelson could not move it for relief, exposing the right side of his face and neck to the scorching heat of the concrete."

The 28-year-old is claiming £1.3m in medical expenses on top of the damage claim.

Nelson, suffers from a variety of mental illnesses, was acting erratically close to a KFC prompting cops to arrive.

Two officers grabbed him and pinned him to the deck as he wrestled to get free.

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Eggs fry at less temperature than the pavement,

CCTV footage from the KFC taken before the incident showed a shirtless Nelson taking a swing at the restaurant manager and reaching for his pockets.

Citrus Heights police chief Ronald Lawrence refused to comment, saying only that the case would "involve the judicial system, and will not be resolved in the court of public opinion."

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