Friends and neighbours are sending well-wishes to a woman who is fighting for her life after being set on fire.

The woman, who has been named locally as Jenny Cronin, 72, was attacked in her home by a machete-wielding man who doused her in petrol before setting her alight.

The man, believed to be her daughter’s ex-husband, then set himself on fire and died of his injuries on Tuesday night at a specialist burns unit in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, where Mrs Cronin is also being treated.

Mrs Cronin lives alone after losing her husband Patrick Cronin about two years ago, who was well-known for riding round Benfleet on a golf buggy, as they were both keen members of Boyce Hill Golf Club.

Their family home in Boyce Green backs onto the golf course directly and Mrs Cronin has competed in golf tournaments there.

Since her husband’s death, Mrs Cronin has taken up volunteering at the Unicef charity shop in High Road, Benfleet and manager Debbie Veale said she is “the most lovely woman” she knows.

Debbie, 52, who has run the shop since 2003, added: “We are all in shock. I don’t really know what to say.

“Jenny is such a kind and lovely person.

“She hasn’t volunteered here very long. I met her last year. She lost her husband and I suggested she come in and work with us to keep her busy.

“She settled in really well and is the perfect sales person because she is so genuine and is one of those people who always looks lovely.

“I think the world of her and hope she pulls through.”

The quiet cul-de-sac where the horrific attack took place was flooded with emergency service vehicles when reports of the attack came to light - something which left residents shocked and saddened.

One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s such a shocking thing to have happened.

“I don’t know Jenny personally but her and her husband Pat are well-known in the community. Pat was quite a character and a popular man.

“It’s awful that this has happened and I can only hope that Jenny pulls through and makes a full recovery.

“My thoughts are with her family at this time.”

Another neighbour said: “She’s a lovely lady. We’re just all in shock at the moment.

“Hopefully police can work out what the hell has gone on and why.”