An 80-year-old woman who was deliberately set on fire outside her home in Watford remains in hospital in a critical condition, as her family issue a desperate appeal for information.
Brenda Raymond was found on fire in a communal area of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, Hertfordshire, on Monday 9 November. Police suspect she was targeted as she returned home and believe an accelerant may have been used before she was set alight. Detectives from Hertfordshire Police also recovered evidence indicating a flammable liquid may have been poured through a neighbouring letterbox nearby.
Family's emotional plea
In a statement released through Hertfordshire Police, Raymond's 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.”
The statement added: “Someone out there knows something. They know what happened to Brenda. We are desperate for answers and are pleading for anyone with information to please come forward. If you know anything at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please speak to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Arrest and investigation
A 33-year-old man from Watford was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and has since been bailed with strict instructions while enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with the woman and her family, who are being supported by specially trained officers during this extremely distressing time. Detectives are currently working at pace to establish how the woman came to sustain her injuries and are currently treating the incident as attempted murder. We’re asking anyone with information which may assist us to please come forward.”
Appeal for witnesses and footage
Police are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in or around Caractacus Cottage View between 10am and 2pm on November 9, or who saw anyone wearing a face covering, balaclava or mask in the area, or running from the scene toward nearby woodland or footpaths, to come forward. They also want to hear from anyone with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or other video footage covering the area during that period, and from anyone who heard screams, shouting or any disturbance shortly before emergency services were called.
Officers are also keen to hear from anyone aware of someone purchasing flammable liquid on the day of or shortly before November 9. The force has launched a dedicated online portal where information can be reported.
