Police investigating the attempted murder of 80-year-old Brenda Raymond are appealing for witnesses after she was found on fire in a block of flats in Watford. She remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Attack in communal corridor
Emergency services were called at 12.47pm on Monday 9 November following reports that a woman had been discovered ablaze in a first-floor communal corridor of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View. The victim suffered life-threatening burns and was taken to hospital for emergency treatment, where she continues to fight for her life.
Investigators suspect that Brenda was assaulted as she arrived home and that a flammable substance may have been used before she was intentionally set alight. Forensic evidence gathered at the scene has also suggested that an accelerant may have been poured through the letterbox of another nearby property.
Police appeal for information
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."
He 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."
The officer urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: "Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dash cam 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."
What detectives want to know
Detectives are especially keen to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in or around Caractacus Cottage View between 10am and 2pm on Monday 9 November, saw anyone wearing a face covering, balaclava or mask in the area, saw anyone running from the scene or heading towards nearby woodland or footpaths, or has dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or other video footage covering the area during this period.
They also want to hear from anyone who heard screams, shouting or any disturbance shortly before emergency services were called, or who is aware of anyone who purchased flammable liquid on the day of or shortly before 9 November 2026.
Information can be reported via a dedicated online portal, through the Force Communications Room web chat, or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Tibbin. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.
