Watford Family Demands Answers After 80-Year-Old Woman Set Alight in Arson Attack

The family of Brenda Raymond, 80, said they are “desperate for answers” following a violent attack outside her Watford apartment block on Monday. Mrs. Raymond was found set alight outside Caractacus Cottage View and taken to hospital, where she remains in critical condition. The incident has left her family in complete shock, bewildered as to why she was targeted.

In a statement issued through Hertfordshire Constabulary, the family expressed their devastation, describing Brenda as a beautiful, chatty, and fun-loving woman who loved keeping fit and dancing. They said words cannot describe the distress of the past few days and are pleading for anyone with information to come forward. The family has also requested privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.

Police believe Mrs. Raymond was attacked as she returned home just after noon, with her assailants pouring a flammable liquid over her before setting her alight. Investigators also discovered an accelerant had been poured through the letterbox of a nearby flat, though the two events are not officially linked.

In a bid to aid the investigation, police publicly named Mrs. Raymond and released her photograph on Wednesday, with the family’s blessing. Detective Inspector Adam Bridges of the Major Crime Unit described the attack as appalling and deeply distressing, emphasizing that the family is distraught and hopes the publicity will jog witnesses’ memories. Anyone with information—whether they witnessed suspicious activity, heard relevant conversations, noticed unusual behaviour, or have CCTV or dashcam footage—is urged to come forward, as even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial.

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