The family of an 80-year-old woman who was set on fire outside her home in Watford have made an urgent appeal for witnesses to come forward. According to BBC News, Brenda Raymond remains in critical condition in hospital after the incident on 9 November. Hertfordshire Police is treating the case as attempted murder, with detectives describing it as an "absolutely horrific attack on an innocent victim."
Brenda was discovered alight outside Caractacus Cottage View in Watford after sustaining what police characterised as "catastrophic injuries". Police believe she was attacked as she returned home and that an accelerant may have been used. A 33-year-old man from Watford was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and has since been released on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues.
In a statement, Brenda's family expressed their distress at the incident.
We simply cannot understand why anyone would have wanted to hurt her in this way.They went on to describe her character in detail:
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 emphasised how difficult the past days have been for them.
Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us.They stressed their desperation for answers and made a direct appeal to the public:
Someone out there knows something. They know what happened to Brenda. If you know anything at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please speak to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
What information are police seeking?
Detectives have issued several specific requests for information from the public. Police are appealing for anyone who was aware of purchases of flammable liquid on or shortly before 9 November to come forward. They are also keen to hear from anyone who has camera footage covering the area around Caractacus Cottage View on the day of the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity.
Police said they were investigating a separate incident involving a neighbouring building targeted with flammable liquid, suggesting the attack may have extended beyond Brenda's property. Police are seeking information about suspicious activity in the area between 10:00 and 14:00 on 9 November, including anyone seen wearing a face covering or anyone with relevant video footage.
Members of the public can contact Hertfordshire Police via a dedicated online portal, through the non-emergency number 101 or on web chat, quoting Operation Tibbin. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.
How have community leaders responded?
Matt Turmaine, the MP for Watford, expressed the town's collective shock at the attack. He said the whole community had been
appalled and outragedby what he described as a
horrific, vile attack, adding:
My thoughts are with Brenda and her family at such a traumatic time.
A neighbour who knows Brenda characterised her as a "lovely, lovely woman", reflecting the regard in which she is held in her community. Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, leading the investigation, described the assault as
an absolutely horrific attack on an innocent victim, underscoring the severity with which police are treating the case.
What happens next?
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to pursue leads. The 33-year-old suspect released on bail is subject to strict conditions, and police have indicated that inquiries are ongoing. The force continues to appeal for any information that might assist in bringing those responsible to justice and establishing the motive for the attack on Brenda Raymond.
