A WOMAN is in hospital fighting for her life after she allegedly spontaneously combusted while quietly sitting on a park bench.

The Mirror reports that passers-by saw the woman engulfed in flames as they rushed towards her to help in a quiet German park.

It’s been reported that one man attempted to put her out with his jacket but by that time she was already badly injured.

She was rushed by helicopter to a hospital in the city of Lubeck where she remains in a critical condition.

“The victim has lived in Flensburg for a long time and has family here,” Ulrike Stahlmann-Liebelt, who is investigating the incident said.

Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is the term used when a human body goes up in flames without an apparent external source of ignition.

Investigators haven’t ruled out whether the woman had actually set herself alight in a suicide attempt.

If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.