An 80-year-old woman remains in critical condition after being deliberately set on fire outside her home in Watford, as police launch an attempted murder investigation and appeal for help tracing the suspect.
Brenda Raymond was found on fire in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View at around 12.47pm on Monday, November 9. She was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.
Family releases photograph
Police have released Brenda's photograph with support from her family in a bid to trace the alleged suspect. Detectives believe she was deliberately set alight as she returned home, and an accelerant may have been used. Evidence from the scene also indicates a flammable liquid may have been poured through the letterbox of another property.
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.
"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."
Appeal for witnesses
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in or around Caractacus Cottage View between 10am and 2pm on Monday, November 9, or saw anyone wearing a face covering, balaclava or mask in the area. They also want to speak to anyone who saw someone running from the scene or heading towards nearby woodland or footpaths, or who has dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or other video footage covering the area during this period.
Information can be reported via a dedicated online portal, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Tibbin. Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
