A WOMAN was fighting for her life today after she was found in flames on a country road in Rossendale.

Azia Khan, 21, of Grandle Street, Rusholme, Manchester, was found at Helmshore near to the Greater Manchester county boundary late last night.

Police were today questioning a man, aged 39, about what they described as a "suspicious fire".

The victim, who was found by passers-by and two police officers, suffered 80 per cent burns and was in a critical condition in Bury General Hospital.

Police inquiries are being headed by Detective Chief Superintendent Bill Hacking, head of Lancashire CID, who has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said he was keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a man and woman arguing or anyone acting suspiciously in the area. When fire officers from Haslingden arrived at the scene on the Helmshore to Holcombe Road, near to Buckton Wood, she was at the side of the road near to the Ford Mondeo and receiving help from paramedics.

Fire crews from Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall and the incident support unit from Accrington also went to the scene.

The car was only slightly damaged by fire to a door trim and upholstery.

Assistant Divisional Officer Mick Holmes, stationed at Accrington, said: "There were some people who had arrived at the scene before the emergency services and who were trying to help her and trying to put out the flames with water they had got from somewhere.''

The 39-year-old man from Cheetham Hill was being held at Rawtenstall police station where he was being questioned about the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Rawtenstall on 01706-215242.

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