A man has been charged in the death of a woman who was set on fire in a New York City subway.

Police and federal officials said Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, was charged Monday with murder and arson.

He is said to have used a lighter set the woman’s clothing on fire while she apparently fell asleep at around 7.30am (12.30pm UK time) on Sunday.

New York police said Zapeta was arrested about six hours after the incident, which occurred on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn.

Jessica Table, New York City Police commissioner said the woman’s clothing was “completely devoured within seconds” as he watched from a bench on the subway platform.

Subway workers and police officers patrolling the station used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.

The woman, whose identity was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials added that there appeared to be no prior interaction between Zapeta and the woman.

He was arrested after three schoolchildren called 911 because they recognized him in a picture shared by police.

Ms Tisch called the alleged murder “one of the most depraved crimes that a person can commit against another human being”.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez added in a statement: “The depravity of this terrible crime is unimaginable, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.”

“This cruel and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will have serious consequences.”

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Jeff Carter, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the suspect entered the country illegally after being deported in 2018.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was unclear when and where Zapeta re-entered the country.

It added that it would begin deportation proceedings again if he is released from New York custody – which could be the case if he is convicted after serving a prison sentence.