Brenda Raymond
Brenda Raymond was attacked as she returned home - Press Association/Family handout

An 80-year-old woman is in hospital after being set on fire outside her flat, police have said.

Brenda Raymond, who is in a critical condition, was found alight in a communal area of a block of flats in Watford, just after 12.45pm on Monday.

Detectives believe a liquid was sprayed on her before she was ignited as she returned home.

The police have publicly named the victim in an attempt to trace whoever was behind the violence.