A woman from Connecticut, United States, was apprehended after her stepson alerted authorities that he had set fire to their shared home in a desperate attempt to escape years of alleged abuse.

According to a statement from the Waterbury Police Department, the 56-year-old woman has been accused of holding the 32-year-old stepson as a prisoner since he was 11.

"The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable. This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney's Office," said a police officer.

The man allegedly told emergency services that he had purposely caused the fire in his upper room, claiming that he experienced 'prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment and wanted his freedom', reported People.

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He was reported to have been extremely underweight at 30 kg for his tall stature when he escaped and was treated for smoke inhalation at the hospital.

Prosecutors allege he was fed a sandwich, and two tiny water bottles every day for years. He was only let out of confinement for two hours each day to conduct tasks under the watchfulness of his stepmother, reported the BBC.

A prosecutor said in court on Wednesday that he set fire to the room with hand sanitiser, paper, and a lighter, knowing he could have died. His stepmother was at home when the fire started, but she did not talk with the authorities when they came. Her legal counsel stated that the charges were baseless.

"He was not locked in a room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food; she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations," the lawyer posted on social media.

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House of horrors: Woman allegedly held stepson hostage for 20 years before he started fire to escape