THE suspect in an attempted murder investigation who set himself and an elderly woman on fire was her daughter's ex-husband.

Witnesses told the Echo that the man, named as Kieren Lynch, 50, of Canvey, was armed with a machete and stormed a house in Boyce Green, Benfleet, on Tuesday morning where a disturbance broke out.

Neighbours claim he poured petrol on himself and the woman, named locally as 72-year-old Jenny Cronin, before igniting the fuel.

He was arrested for attempted murder before they were both flown to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Police have confirmed that Mr Lynch, a father of two, died from his injuries on Tuesday night.

Mrs Cronin is still fighting for her life and remains in critical condition.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but a friend of Mrs Cronin has said that there were ongoing problems between Mr Lynch and Mrs Cronin’s family.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “It was her daughter’s ex-husband and he had been there the previous week.

“Jenny never had a bad word to say about anybody but she said he was very unreasonable.

"You could tell it made her uncomfortable to talk about it and she was embarrassed.

“She found his behaviour very upsetting.”

Detectives from Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate are still investigating and have confirmed they believe the attack was “deliberate”.

Senior Investigating officer Det Chief Insp Daniel Stoten said: “Our investigation has progressed and after talking to witnesses and making enquiries at the scene, we believe this was a deliberate act.

“Sadly, a man that we wanted to talk about this incident has died from his injuries. 

“We are confident that we are not looking for anyone else connection with this incident but are still trying to establish what happened.

“If you were in the area between 6am and 11am and have information, call 101 quoting incident 311 of 13/03.”

Alternatively, you can share information with independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.