Deniliquin resident Jason Raymond Patterson, 31, faced Griffith Local Court on Thursday charged with murder (domestic violence).

He was remanded in custody until February 8.

Murray River Police District Superintendent Paul Smith said police will allege Patterson's sister, 42, sustained 'severe' head injuries before being set alight in the yard of a Dick Street address.

Multiple witnesses called triple-0 about the incident.

Police arrived and attempted to assist the woman. A male senior constable sustained burns to his hand while attempting to extinguish the blaze.

Cr Brennan said the incident had shaken and shocked the community.

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"[Everyone] is quite surprised, we're a very tight knit community in Deni, it's something we haven't experienced before in my knowledge since I've been here 25 years," he said.

Cr Brennan said he did not personally know the victim but said the whole situation was very sad.

He hopes the public nature of the incident doesn't have a long term impact on witnesses or the community.

"I hope not, and that's why I'm urging people if they're feeling impacted about what happened, to please seek help and advice," he said.

"Go and see your GP, call Lifeline, there's a whole variety of things you can do."

On Thursday, police appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident and had not spoken to officers, to come forward.

For support contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. To report information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

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