Brenda Raymond, 80, Set Alight Outside Watford Flat; Attempted Murder Probe
An 80-year-old woman remains in critical condition in hospital after she was set on fire outside her own flat in Watford, and police are treating
An 80-year-old woman remains in critical condition in hospital after she was set on fire outside her own flat in Watford, and police are treating the attack as attempted murder. Hertfordshire Police have named the victim as Brenda Raymond.
Officers were called to Caractacus Cottage View in West Watford, near the Holywell Estate, on Monday, November 9. Raymond was found alight in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats shortly after 12:45 p.m. Her injuries have been described as significant.
Detectives believe she was attacked as she came home. They think a liquid was sprayed on her, possibly an accelerant, before she was deliberately ignited.
Second property may have been targeted
Evidence recovered at the scene suggests a flammable liquid may also have been poured through the letterbox of another property nearby. Police have not said whether the two incidents are linked.
No arrests have been made. Neighbors have said they cannot understand why anyone would target a woman they described as "incredibly friendly and chatty." Officers have also searched a footpath behind the block.
Family releases her name and photograph
Raymond's family agreed to the release of her name and photograph, hoping it would prompt witnesses to come forward. Police named her publicly on Wednesday, November 11.
Specially trained officers are supporting the family. Police have not given a motive for the attack.
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, of the force's Major Crime Unit, leads the investigation. He called it "an appalling and deeply distressing attack on an elderly woman who suffered horrific injuries after being set alight outside her own home."
Bridges appealed for anyone who saw suspicious activity near the building or someone leaving the area to speak to police. He also asked for dashcam or CCTV footage from around the time of the attack.
"Someone out there knows something," Bridges said. "You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dashcam footage without realising its significance."
