NEIGHBOURS rushed to save the life of a woman found on fire outside of a house on Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses reported seeing residents from surrounding properties in the Middlesbrough street rushing to the aid of the woman after being alerted by the screams of a man, believed to be her husband.

The Northern Echo understands that the man had smashed a window belonging to a neighbouring house in a frantic attempt to seek help.

Several people came to the aid of the woman, who was outside of her Acklam Road home after reportedly suffering burns during an incident at the property said to have happened at around 12.40pm.

One witness said: “It was horrendous, I’ve never seen anything like it, her clothing had come away and people were trying to put her out and cool her burns.”

Another said he had seen smoke before realising that the woman was on fire.

He added: “She is a mother of young children, I think in her 30s.

“Her husband was injured too – he had burns all over his hands from trying to help her.

“It was awful.”

Several police vehicles remain at the scene, with an officer stationed outside the semi-detached house, which is close to the Master Cooper pub.

Police have confimed a woman suffered life-threatening burn injuries.

A spokeswoman said: "Officers were called to a report of an incident on Acklam Road in Middlesbrough at 12.40pm today.

"On arrival, a woman had suffered life threatening burn injuries and she was taken to James Cook University Hospital and then transferred to the RVI Hospital in Newcastle.

"A man had also suffered serious burn injuries which are not life threatening and he is being treated at James Cook University Hospital.

"Enquiries are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the injuries."

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said three double-crewed ambulances and one hazard response crew had attended.

A spokesman for Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed that two appliances had gone to the scene from Middlesbrough and Coulby Newham stations following reports of a house fire.

He said the fire had been out upon their arrival.