Central Hunter Detectives are investigating after a woman suffered serious burns in Morpeth overnight.

About 12.10am (Sunday 14 June 2015), there was a small gathering in the backyard of a home on London Avenue.

Police are investigating reports that while the 12 people were sitting around a small fire a 26-year-old man has allegedly poured an accelerant on the fire in an attempt to re-establish it.

The fire has come into contact with a 24-year-old woman who suffered serious burns to her face, neck, chest and upper legs. Numerous guests attempted to assist her douse the flames and she was put into a cold shower and emergency services were called.

Ambulance Paramedics tended to the woman and stabilised her before taking her to the John Hunter Hospital. It’s believed she has suffered burns to 50 percent of her body.

It is expected she will be flown by helicopter from the John Hunter Hospital to the specialist burns unit based at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Three other guests, two men and a woman, suffered minor burns and received some form of medical assistance.

A crime scene was established and was processed by forensic specialists. Police are speaking to witnesses and neighbours regarding the incident.

Inquiries are continuing.