Family of Watford woman, 80, set alight outside her flat say they are 'desperate for answers'

The family of an elderly woman who was set on fire outside a block of flats in Watford have said they are "desperate for answers" as she remains in hospital in critical condition.

Brenda Raymond, 80, was found set alight outside her flat on Caractacus Cottage View on Monday. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she is being treated for what her family described as catastrophic injuries.

Hertfordshire constabulary said a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He has since been released on bail with strict conditions.

Police believe Raymond was attacked at around noon as she returned home, with her attackers pouring some kind of flammable liquid over her before setting her alight. Detectives said an accelerant was also poured through the letterbox of a nearby flat, although the two events have not been officially linked.

In a statement issued through the force, Raymond's family said: "Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us as a family." They described her as "our beautiful, chatty, fun-loving and much-loved Brenda, who loves to keep fit and dancing", and said the circumstances of the attack had left them in "complete shock".

"We simply cannot understand why anyone would have wanted to hurt her in this way," the family said. "Someone out there knows something. They know what happened to Brenda. We are desperate for answers and are pleading for anyone with information to please come forward." They also asked for their privacy to be respected during what they called an "unimaginably difficult time".

Officers took the decision to publicly name Raymond on Wednesday, with the blessing of her family, in the hope that it would encourage anyone with knowledge of the attack to come forward.

DI 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."

Bridges appealed to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dashcam footage without realising its significance. "Please do not assume that what you know is too small or unimportant to tell us about," he said. "Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice."