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”.

“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.”

He said the force was investigating another incident in which a neighbouring building was also targeted with a flammable liquid.

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”.

Bridges said police were “working tirelessly to conduct any investigative options”.

He appealed for anyone in the area between 10:00 and 14:00 on Monday to get in touch and to let the force know if anyone was acting suspiciously or had changed their behaviour.

“We’re interested in anyone who may have seen someone running towards the wooded area behind Caractacus Cottage or anyone coming out of the wooded area or nearby footpaths,” he said.

“Obviously, all of Brenda’s friends and family are absolutely devastated by this situation.

“At this moment we’re keeping all our options open and we’ve got no evidence to suggest there’s any wider risk to the public as a result of this incident.”

However, he said an increased police presence would remain in the area.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.