A MAN was left fighting for his life in hospital after fire ripped through his Greenock home.

Gordon Percy, 58, was said to be in a critical condition as the Telegraph went to press.

A joint CID and Fire & Rescue investigation into the blaze at property in Plover Lane is under way this morning.

Firefighters rushed to the emergency in the Grieve Road area of the town yesterday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses told how they saw Mr Percy — who is partially sighted — being taken from the semi-detached property on a stretcher by a team of firefighters.

Paramedics conveyed him by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he is being treated in the intensive care unit.

The nature of Mr Percy's injuries are not known but detectives confirmed last night that his condition was critical.

Flames could be seen shooting out from a top floor window at the height of the blaze as plumes of smoke billowed high into the air.

The building has been left severely damaged.

Mr Percy — who had become increasingly reliant on a white stick — featured in a Telegraph article before last Christmas as he complained about a hazardous hedge from near his home.

He said that he had difficulty navigating the apparent obstacle and wanted it to be replaced with a metal fence.

Mr Percy said at the time: "They were supposed to give me a property that suited my needs but this has caused me nothing by anxiety and worry.

"I would cut the hedge myself if I was able to but it's too dangerous — my hands shake a lot now and I will end up injured."

Detective Sergeant Jonathan MacKinnon, of Greenock CID, confirmed an investigation into the fire at Mr Percy's home has been launched.

DS MacKinnon said: "A 58-year-old male has been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he is receiving treatment.

"His condition is critical.

"A joint police and fire investigation will get under way this morning."