Eighty-year-old Brenda Raymond was set on fire outside her Watford flat on Monday leaving her in critical condition with catastrophic injuries.
Police found Raymond suffering horrific wounds in a first-floor communal area at Caractacus Cottage View after emergency services received an afternoon call, according to Rayo. Detectives believe she was targeted as she returned home around noon, with attackers pouring a flammable liquid on her before igniting it, Yahoo News UK reported.
Investigators said that an accelerant was also poured through the letterbox of a nearby flat, though officers have not officially linked the two incidents. The Major Crime Unit launched an urgent manhunt under Operation Tibbin, appealing for witnesses who saw suspicious activity between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
The attack alarmed the local community. Matt Turmaine, the MP for Watford, said the whole town had been appalled and outraged by the vile assault, according to reporting by the BBC.
Police arrest man suspected of conspiracy to commit arson
Hertfordshire Constabulary arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The suspect has since been released on bail with strict conditions while inquiries continue.
“This was an appalling and deeply distressing attack on an elderly woman who suffered horrific injuries after being set alight outside her own home,” Detective Inspector Adam Bridges from the Major Crime Unit said. Police released Raymond’s name and photograph on Wednesday with her family’s blessing to help jog public memory.
Detectives are urging anyone who noticed individuals wearing face coverings, balaclavas, or masks, or saw people running toward nearby woodland and footpaths, to come forward. Police also want to hear from anyone aware of individuals purchasing flammable liquid around the time of the attack.
“Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dashcam footage without realising its significance,” Bridges said, according to The Guardian.
Family appeal for answers
Raymond’s relatives expressed total disbelief following the incident, stating they could not understand why anyone would target her. They described the victim as chatty, fun-loving, and active.
“Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us as a family,” her relatives said in a statement issued via Hertfordshire Constabulary.
“Our beautiful, chatty, fun-loving and much-loved Brenda, who loves to keep fit and dancing, has suffered catastrophic injuries in the most devastating of circumstances; circumstances which have left us all in complete shock,” the family added.
Relatives emphasized that someone in the community holds information about what happened to Raymond. They urged anyone with details to contact authorities immediately.
Questions about the Watford fire attack
What is Brenda Raymond’s current condition?
Raymond remains hospitalized in critical condition after suffering catastrophic, life-threatening injuries during the November 9 attack, according to Rayo.
How can the public submit information to police?
Witnesses can contact Hertfordshire Constabulary via a dedicated online portal at mipp.police.uk, through web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, by calling the non-emergency number 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers, referencing Operation Tibbin.
What specific details are detectives looking for?
Investigators are seeking dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from around Caractacus Cottage View between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Monday, November 9, alongside reports of anyone who purchased flammable liquid or saw masked individuals fleeing toward nearby woodland.