The family of a woman who police said was set on fire outside her home have made a plea for witnesses to come forward.

Brenda Raymond, 80, remains in a critical condition in hospital after she was found alight in Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, on Monday.

Hertfordshire Police said she sustained "catastrophic injuries" and detectives have been treating the case as an attempted murder.

Her family said in a statement: "We simply cannot understand why anyone would have wanted to hurt her in this way."

A 33-year-old man, from Watford, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, has been released on bail.

Police said the suspect was bailed "with strict conditions while inquiries continue".

Officers have been supporting Brenda's family, who said: "Words cannot describe how distressing the past few days have been for us."

They added: "Our beautiful, chatty, fun-loving and much-loved Brenda, who loves to keep fit and dancing, has suffered catastrophic injuries in the most devastating of circumstances; circumstances which have left us all in complete shock."

The family said they were "desperate for answers" and were "pleading for anyone with information to come forward".

"Someone out there knows something. They know what happened to Brenda," they added.

"If you know anything at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please speak to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously."

Police have appealed for people to get in touch if they were "aware of anyone who purchased flammable liquid on or shortly before 9 November".

They also want to hear from anyone who has camera footage covering the area around Caractacus Cottage View on Monday, or saw anyone acting suspiciously.

The force asked people to contact it via a dedicated online portal, through the non-emergency number 101 or on web chat, quoting Operation Tibbin.

Speaking earlier in the week, Det Insp Adam Bridges said it was "an absolutely horrific attack on an innocent victim", while a neighbour described Brenda as a "lovely, lovely woman".

Matt Turmaine, the MP for Watford, said the whole town had been "appalled and outraged" by the "horrific, vile attack".

"My thoughts are with Brenda and her family at such a traumatic time," he said.

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