The attack took place on Friday in Pueblo Libre, in remote Chucuito province where vigilante justice has become commonplace.

The report said Jorge Jahuira Cruz, suspected of having killed an underage girl, was surrounded by a throng of townspeople who doused him with kerosene and set him alight.

Local police officer Javier Castro tried to save the suspect's life but was set upon by the crowd who mistook him for a murder accomplice and also set him on fire.

Mr Castro was saved by fellow police officers and got away with severe burns, Andina said.

No arrests were made during the incident, it added. -- AFP