The New York Police Department says a 45-year-old man was lit on fire by an attacker early on March 16 An individual set a man on fire in New York City's Times Square, before fleeing the scene. Now, a police investigation has been prompted to look for the "unidentified" attacker.

Police in New York City are actively searching for an unidentified male suspect who lit a man on fire overnight Sunday in in the middle of Times Square.

The 45-year-old victim was pictured shirtless, arms cross and staring in shock as he was put into the back of an ambulance. It is unclear at this point whether the 3.55am attack was targeted or random.