A MOTORCYCLE owner had a lucky escape when fumes from his leaking petrol tank were ignited by a gas fire in the garage of his Dunnington home.

A fire service spokesman said it was believed the 51-year-old had poured petrol in to the fuel tank of the motorbike while the fuel line was disconnected and the spillage had been ignited by the flame of a gas heater.

The spokesman said: “He suffered smoke inhalation and shock.

“He was treated at the scene and thought not to have been taken to hospital.

“There was 50 per cent fire damage to the motorbike and smoke and fire damage to the garage.”

The man put out the flames with a garden hose before the fire service arrived.

The incident happened in Ashdale Road shortly before 11am on Thursday.