Brenda Raymond, 80, was found on fire in a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View, Watford on Monday afternoon and remains in a critical condition
Police investigating the attempted murder of 80 year old Brenda Raymond are appealing for witnesses to come forward with crucial information about the horrific attack.
Emergency services were alerted at 12.47pm on Monday November 9 following reports that a woman had been discovered ablaze in a first-floor communal corridor of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View. The victim suffered life-threatening burns and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, where she continues to fight for her life in a critical condition.
Investigators currently suspect that Brenda was assaulted as she arrived home and that a flammable substance may have been used before she was intentionally set alight. Forensic evidence gathered at the location has also suggested that an accelerant may have been poured through the letterbox of another nearby property.
Detective Inspector 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. Her family are understandably distraught and have taken the step of releasing her name and photograph to help jog people’s memories around this distressing and highly unusual incident.”, reports the Express.
“Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dash cam footage without realising its significance. Please do not assume that what you know is too small or unimportant to tell us about. It could be a seemingly insignificant piece of information that provides investigators with the breakthrough they need.
“If you know anything about what happened to Brenda or think you may have information that could assist our enquiries, please come forward. Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice.”
The officer continued: “The circumstances surrounding Brenda’s injuries will understandably come as a shock to local residents. We want to reassure people that specialist officers are working hard to find out what happened.”
Detectives are especially eager to hear from anyone who:
- Saw anyone acting suspiciously in or around Caractacus Cottage View between 10am and 2pm on Monday 9 November.
- Saw any person wearing a face covering, balaclava or mask in the area.
- Saw anyone running from the scene or heading towards nearby woodland or footpaths.
- Has dashcam, CCTV, doorbell camera or other video footage covering the area during this period.
- Heard screams, shouting, or any disturbance shortly before emergency services were called.
- Is aware of anyone who purchased flammable liquid on the day of or shortly before the 9 November, 2026.
Information can be reported via a dedicated online portal. You can also speak to an operator in a Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Tibbin.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.