Elderly woman, 80, set on fire in flat block attack — police appeal for witnesses
Brenda Raymond, 80, suffered life-threatening burns after being deliberately set alight at a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View on 9 November.
Attempted murder probe after 80-year-old set alight in communal stairwell
Detectives are appealing for public information following an attempted murder in which 80-year-old Brenda Raymond was set on fire in the communal area of a residential block, the Daily Express reports.
At 12.47pm on Monday 9 November, officers received a call reporting a woman alight on the first floor of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View. Raymond was found with life-threatening injuries and transported to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
Investigators believe Raymond was targeted as she returned home and that an accelerant was used to set her alight. Evidence gathered at the scene also suggests that a flammable liquid may have been poured through the letterbox of a neighbouring property.
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, said the attack was "appalling and deeply distressing" and described the injuries Raymond sustained as "horrific".
"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," Bridges said. "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."
Bridges appealed directly to anyone who may hold relevant information, however minor it might appear. "Someone out there knows something. You may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard a conversation, noticed unusual behaviour, or captured something on CCTV or dash cam footage without realising its significance," he said. "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."
He added that specialist officers were working to reassure local residents and urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. "Your information could be crucial in helping us find answers and bring those responsible to justice."
Information can be submitted via a dedicated online portal, through web chat with the Force Communications Room, or by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quoting Operation Tibbin. Anonymous tip-offs can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.
Source: Daily Express