Man, 33, arrested after woman, 80, is ‘doused and set on fire’ outside her home

Brenda Raymond, 80, was found on fire in a communal area of her Watford block of flats on Monday and remains in a critical condition in hospital. A 33-year-old man from Watford has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life; police say he remains in custody.

Detectives believe a flammable liquid was sprayed on Raymond as she returned home, and that an accelerant was poured through the letterbox of a nearby flat. Police named her publicly to help identify those responsible and are seeking witnesses, footage and information about suspicious activity in the area between 10am and 3pm. Information can be sent through the police portal, by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers.