Arrest after woman, 80, 'doused and set on fire'
Quick Look
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson after 80-year-old Brenda Raymond was doused in a flammable liquid and set on fire outside her home in Watford, leaving her in critical condition.
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Why It Matters
The victim was found in a communal area of her residence in Watford with life-threatening burn injuries.
A man has been arrested after police said an 80-year-old woman was "doused and set on fire" outside her home.
Officers were called at about 12:45 GMT on Monday to reports Brenda Raymond had been found in a first-floor communal area in Caractacus Cottage View, Watford.
Hertfordshire Police said she sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
The force confirmed the man, 33, from Watford, had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody.
Det Insp Adam Bridges said: "It's an absolutely horrific attack on an innocent victim."
He said when officers arrived at the scene "we found who we now know to be Brenda Raymond with significant burn marks within Caractacus Cottage View".
He added: "We now understand that Brenda has returned home where she's been attacked by an unknown male and she's been doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire."
Open Questions
- What is the motive behind the attack?
- Is there a prior connection between the suspect and the victim?
