Woman's body engulfed in flames

A woman is in Christchurch Hospital with burns to about 70 percent of her body after she was engulfed in flames.

Neighbours found the 26 year old alight in the driveway of an Addington address about 11.40am on Sunday and used blankets and water to extinguish the flames, said Detective Sergeant Mike Earl.

He commended the neighbours for their quick actions.

The woman was reported to be in a serious condition this afternoon.

Mr Earl said he could not comment on how the fire started or what may have fueled it. No one else was being sought, he said.

- NZPA