A Deniliquin man has been arrested and charged with murder after setting his sister on fire in the yard of a Dick Street, Deniliquin, house at about 1.50pm on Wednesday.

Murray River Police District Superintendent Paul Smith said it was a 'traumatic incident' for witnesses.

Police will allege the 42-year-old victim sustained severe head injuries before being set alight by her 31-year-old brother.

Superintendent Smith said the man appeared before Griffith Local Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody to reappear on February 8.

"Obviously a number of local people, Deniliquin being a small town, are awfully distressed at witnessing this incident, remember there are support services, Lifeline, Beyond Blue," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS

Police will allege the murder was domestic violence related.

Superintendent Smith said the incident began in the Dick Street home, before continuing in the front yard where the victim was located and the man arrested.

A number of neighbours contacted police.

Superintendent Smith reassured the community they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

"Any homicide is atrocious, atrocious to the family, atrocious to the friends..." he said.

"I think [murders are] difficult in all communities. What probably magnifies it in a community like Deniliquin is so many people are known to each other, they're small tight knit communities, but then again there is that support in the community."

If you need support contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: