An 80-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after she was set on fire outside her flat in Watford. Brenda Raymond suffered what her family described as 'catastrophic injuries' when she was attacked as she returned to her home just after midday on Monday.
Attack and Investigation
Officers believe a flammable liquid was likely sprayed on her before she was set alight. She was found in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats on Caractacus Cottage View. Police are treating the incident as attempted murder and have launched an investigation.
An accelerant liquid, a substance used to start a fire, was found to have been poured into the letterbox of a nearby flat. A 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life has been released on bail with strict conditions.
Family's Response
Ms Raymond's relatives said they were in 'complete shock' following the incident, adding they were 'desperate for answers' and calling on anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. In a statement, her family said: 'Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us as a family.
'Our beautiful, chatty, fun-loving and much-loved Brenda, who loves to keep fit and dancing, has suffered catastrophic injuries in the most devastating of circumstances; circumstances which have left us all in complete shock. We simply cannot understand why anyone would have wanted to hurt her in this way.'
Ms Raymond's family have asked for privacy at this 'unimaginably difficult time'. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Tibbin, or contact Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.
