Woman, 80, found on fire in Watford flat as police investigate attempted murder

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 12 Nov, 00:33 · Archive

An 80-year-old woman named Brenda Raymond was found on fire in a communal area of flats at Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, just before 1pm on Monday, 9 November. She was rushed to hospital where she remains in a critical condition with significant injuries.

Hertfordshire Police have launched an attempted murder investigation. Officers believe some form of liquid was sprayed on Ms Raymond before she was set on fire as she returned home. Evidence at the scene also suggests a flammable liquid may have been poured through the letterbox of another property in the area.

Police have taken the unusual step of publicly naming and releasing a photograph of the survivor of the attack in an attempt to trace whoever was responsible. Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, described the incident as 'an appalling and deeply distressing attack on an elderly woman who suffered horrific injuries'.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have heard screams shortly before emergency services were called, or who witnessed suspicious activity around the time. They are also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dash cam or CCTV footage from the vicinity.

Ms Raymond's family are described as 'understandably distraught' but have cooperated with police in releasing her identity to help jog people's memories around the incident. Detective Inspector Bridges urged anyone with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward to assist the investigation.

How it is being reported

• British woman, 80, fighting for life after being 'set alight' outside block of flatsAn 80-year-old woman is fighting for her life after allegedly being "set alight" in a horrific attack. Brenda Raymond was found on fire on the first floor of a communal area of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View in Watford with life-threatening injuries on Monday, just before 12.50pm. She was sustained life-threatening injuries, Hertfordshire Police said, and was rushed to hospital. Ms Raymond remains in a critical condition. Detectives from the force believe she was attacked and deliberately set on fire as she returned home. They also believe flammable liquid was sprayed on her…GB News · 12 Nov, 01:10
• Woman, 80, in critical condition after being set on fireAn 80-year-old woman set on fire outside her flat has been named by police.Sky News · 11 Nov, 21:35
• Elderly woman, 80, is fighting for her life after being 'sprayed with liquid and set on fire' outside block of flats: Police hunting for attackerBrenda Raymond was found alight in a communal area of a block of flats at Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, just before 1pm on Monday.Daily Mail · 11 Nov, 19:59
• Police name 80-year-old woman who was set on fire outside Watford flatThe victim of the attack was found on fire outside her own flat on Monday afternoonThe Independent · 11 Nov, 18:04
• Woman, 80, found on fire in Watford pictured in appeal for 'anyone who heard screams'Police are appealing for anyone who may have heard screams shortly before 80-year-old Brenda Raymond was found on fire at a block of flats in WatfordThe Mirror · 11 Nov, 17:57
• Woman in her 80s found on fire in Watford flats as attempted murder probe launchedEmergency services were called at 12.47pm on Monday with reports that an 80-year-old woman had been found ablaze in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats in WatfordThe Mirror · 10 Nov, 19:29

In this story: Brenda Raymond · Hertfordshire Police · Watford · Adam Bridges

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