Brenda Raymond, 80, remains in a critical condition in hospital after being deliberately set on fire as she returned home, with detectives now appealing for public help to trace the attacker.
Police were called at 12.47pm on Monday 9 November to reports that a woman had been found on fire in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View. She suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where she is being treated.
Attack details
Detectives believe Brenda was attacked as she returned home and that an accelerant may have been used before she was deliberately set on fire. Evidence recovered at the scene also suggests a flammable liquid may have been poured through the letterbox of another property in the area.
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.”
Police appeal
Investigators are particularly 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, or saw anyone running from the scene towards nearby woodland or footpaths.
They also want to hear from anyone with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or other video footage covering the area during this period, anyone who heard screams, shouting or any disturbance shortly before emergency services were called, and anyone aware of a person who purchased flammable liquid on the day of or shortly before 9 November 2026.
Bridges said: “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.”
He added: “If you know anything about what happened to Brenda or think you may have information that could assist our enquiries, please come forward. Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice.”
Information can be reported via a dedicated online portal, through an operator in the Force Communications Room via web chat, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Tibbin. Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its untraceable online form.
