80-year-old girl dies in suspected arson incident exterior flat

News

By Linda Ikeji
12 November 2026, 7:14 am

An 80-year-old girl is in hospital after being set on hearth exterior her flat, police have stated.

Brenda Raymond, who’s in a crucial situation, was discovered alight in a communal space of a block of flats in Watford, simply after 12.45pm on Monday, Nov. 9.

Detectives consider a liquid was sprayed on her earlier than she was set on hearth as she returned dwelling.

Det Insp Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, stated: “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.

“Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dashcam 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 inquiries, please come forward. Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice.”

Detectives say an accelerant liquid was additionally poured by means of the letterbox of a close-by flat.

They need to hear from any witnesses who noticed anybody performing suspiciously that afternoon, anybody carrying a masks or anybody fleeing in direction of close by woodland.

Anyone who noticed somebody shopping for flammable liquid that day or shortly earlier than are additionally requested to come back ahead.