Woman in her 80s found on fire in Herts as police launch attempted murder investigation
Hertfordshire Police detectives have launched an investigation into an attempted murder after a woman aged in her 80s was found on fire.
At 12.47pm on Monday 9 November, a call was made to police reporting that the woman had been found on fire in a first-floor communal area of a block of flats in Caractacus Cottage View in nearby Watford.
She sustained significant injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment where she remains in a critical condition.
Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Major Crime Unit, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with the woman and her family, who are being supported by specially trained officers during this extremely distressing time.
“Detectives are currently working at pace to establish how the woman came to sustain her injuries and are currently treating the incident as attempted murder.
“We’re asking anyone with information which may assist us to please come forward.
“Did you witness any suspicious activity around the time or see anyone leaving the area?
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured any dash cam or CCTV footage from the vicinity.
“If you have any information at all, please contact us straightaway.
“We appreciate the incident will also have an impact on the wider community. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to approach officers in the area.”
Information can be reported via our dedicated online portal.
You can also speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Tibbin.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.