Footage has emerged of flames engulfing a train carriage after a man doused in paint thinner attempted to set himself on fire.

In CCTV pictures released this week by the Chicago Transport Authority, suspect David Ferguson, 28, is seen tussling with a railway worker at Argyle station in the north of the city.

The employee is seen aiming a kick at a tin of flammable paint thinner being held by Mr Ferguson in an apparent attempt to knock it out of his hand.

Police officers then become involved in the tussle in an attempt to remove the man from the carriage.

The paint thinner spilled on the floor of the train then ignites, forcing officers to drag the suspect out of harm’s way.

“As I reached the downstairs of the station a man started running and tells us to run because the guy was throwing gas everywhere and had a lighter,” an eyewitness, Jennifer Moran, told Chicago’s NBC 5 TV station.

“As soon as I stepped out the station the train went up in flames and the entire train was filled with pitch black smoke and the cops talking to him had also bolted.”

Mr Ferguson was later charged with aggravated arson and aggravated battery, and was held without bail, according to NBC5.