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”.