An 80-year-old woman who was set on fire outside her flat has been named by detectives as Brenda Raymond. She remains in hospital in a critical condition after being discovered ablaze in a communal area of a block of flats at Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, shortly after 12.45pm on Monday.
Attack Details
Officers believe some form of liquid was doused on her before she was set on fire as she made her way home. Detectives have publicly revealed her identity in an effort to track down those responsible for the assault.
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, said: "This was an appalling and deeply distressing attack on an elderly woman who suffered horrific injuries after being set alight outside her own home."
Police Appeal
Bridges added: "Our thoughts very much remain with Brenda and her family as we continue to do everything we can to find out what happened and who is responsible. Her family are understandably distraught and have taken the step of releasing her name and photograph to help jog people's memories around this distressing and highly unusual incident."
Investigators have also revealed that an accelerant liquid was poured through the letterbox of a neighbouring flat. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour that afternoon, anyone wearing a mask, anyone making off towards nearby woodland, and somebody purchasing flammable liquid on that day or shortly beforehand.
Witness Appeal
Bridges urged the public: "Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dashcam footage without realising its significance. Please do not assume that what you know is too small or unimportant to tell us about. It could be a seemingly insignificant piece of information that provides investigators with the breakthrough they need."
He concluded: "If you know anything about what happened to Brenda or think you may have information that could assist our inquiries, please come forward. Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice."
