Family of 80-year-old woman found on fire in Watford plead for information
Brenda Raymond remains in a critical condition in hospital
Last updated 7 hours ago
The family of an 80-year-old woman who was found on fire in a block of flats in Watford have issued a plea for witnesses as detectives investigate her attempted murder.
Police said a call was made at 12.47pm on Monday 9th November reporting that Brenda Raymond had been found on fire in a first-floor communal area at Caractacus Cottage View.
Police said she sustained catastrophic injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, where she remains in a critical condition.
Family statement
Her family, who are being supported by officers, said:
"Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us as a family.
"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.
"We simply cannot understand why anyone would have wanted to hurt her in this way.
"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. If you know anything at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please speak to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
"We would ask that our privacy is respected as we continue to navigate our way through this unimaginably difficult time."
Arrest
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the investigation.
He has been bailed with strict conditions while enquiries continue.
How to contact police
Information can be reported through a dedicated online portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020126R07-PO1
People can also speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat at http://www.herts.police.uk/contact or call 101, quoting Operation Tibbin.
Anyone wishing to stay anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.