CALIFORNIA: A helpless invalid was burned to death when his electric wheelchair caught fire and he couldn't get out.

Retired Harold Jump, 63, was engulfed in flames and suffered burns over more than 75% of his body, said county coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey.

Jump was pronounced dead at a Los Angeles hospital.

Experts said the wheelchair motor apparently started the blaze.

Assistant Fire Chief Mark Bennett of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said: "His wheelchair started to catch on fire, and he just couldn't get out."

A neighbour heard the man's screams and an emergency call brought firefighters to his home at about 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Mr Bennett added: "When we responded, he was fully engulfed in flames. It's horrible."

Fire brigade spokesmen would not reveal Mr Jump's disability.