Man arrested after woman, 80, set on fire in Watford

A man has been arrested after an 80-year-old woman is believed to have been set on fire outside her home, police have said.

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.

Evidence from the scene indicated that a flammable liquid may have been poured through the letterbox of another property, police said.

Tim Bromwich, who lives in a flat below the victim, said he had known her for 30 years and used to work with her until she retired five years ago.

He said she was a “lovely, lovely woman”.