Woman doused in flammable liquid, set alight in savage attack

A woman is in a critical condition with burns to more than 50% of her body after she was set alight in a savage attack at a home in Hobart.

The 20-year-old woman was flown to a hospital in Melbourne on Tuesday, where she is receiving specialist treatment for serious burns.

A 34-year-old Chigwell man was last night charged with causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of assault.

Tasmania Police allege the man doused the victim in a flammable liquid and ignited it after or during a dispute.

“The dispute is being treated as a family violence incident, although there are no current family violence orders restricting the man and woman from being together,” police said in a statement.

“The family of the young woman will be provided with counselling support and other assistance.”

The man is due to appear in the Hobart Court of Petty Sessions today.