Jerry can leaves Melbourne woman critical

A young woman is clinging to life after suffering burns to most of her body at a home in Melbourne's southeast.

Neighbours said they heard screams and spotted a flaming jerry can at the Cranbourne home on Saturday night before the 22-year-old woman was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

A 29-year-old man was being questioned by police about the incident but no charges had so far been laid.

The woman's neighbour, Daniel McCreedy, said he heard screams and smelled smoked and petrol.

His partner helped the injured woman.

"After I came out, I noticed there was a jerry can at the back that was on fire," Mr McCreedy told the Seven Network.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.