A woman seriously burnt in a disturbance has died in hospital weeks after her suspected attacker died of burns.

The 72-year-old woman, who Essex Police has not named, suffered serious burns in a fire within a garden in Boyce Green, Benfleet, the force said.

Officers believe the incident on March 13 was a deliberate act and arrested 50-year-old Kieren Lynch, of Canvey Island, at the scene on suspicion of the woman’s attempted murder.

He died in hospital on the day of the incident, and the 72-year-old woman died on Friday.

Both casualties had been airlifted to Broomfield Hospital, and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the South Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk