A woman in her 80s remains in critical condition in hospital after she was reportedly found on fire in Watford on Monday afternoon, prompting an attempted murder investigation.
Incident at Caractacus Cottage View
Emergency services were called to a first-floor communal area in Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, at around 12.47pm on November 9 following reports of a woman on fire. The woman sustained significant injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Police have since launched an attempted murder investigation into the incident.
Police appeal for information
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, who is 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.
“Did you witness any suspicious activity around the time or see anyone leaving the area?
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured any dash cam or CCTV footage from the vicinity.
“If you have any information at all, please contact us straightaway.
“We appreciate the incident will also have an impact on the wider community. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to approach officers in the area.”
How to report information
Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report, via the web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference ISR 305 of 9 November 2026. Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
