A woman who suffered serious burns after allegedly being set on fire by her former son-in-law has died from her injuries.

Jenny Cronin, 72, was at her home in Boyce Green, Benfleet, on March 13, when a disturbance broke out.

Witnesses told the Echo that her former son-in-law Kieren Lynch, 50, of Tewkes Road, Canvey, stormed the house armed with a machete and poured fuel on himself and Mrs Cronin before setting it alight.

They were both airlifted to Broomfield Hospital for treatment at a specialist burns unit.

Mr Lynch, who was arrested for attempted murder before he was taken to hospital, died from his injuries that night.

Essex Police have now confirmed that Mrs Cronin has died from her injuries.

A spokesman said: "A woman has died following a disturbance in Benfleet

"The 72-year-old suffered serious burns during the incident within the garden of a property in Boyce Green, Benfleet, on Tuesday, March 13.

"She was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died on Friday, March 30.

"Kieren Lynch, 50, from Canvey, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the disturbance.

"He had also suffered burns and died in hospital on March 13.

"Enquiries remain 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

"Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org"

This morning, the Echo revealed that Kieren Lynch was due in court over allegedly damaging property belonging to his ex-wife Susan Lynch in January.

He had denied the charge and was due to stand trial on March 22 at Southend Magistrates.

He was released on conditional bail that stated he must not contact any witnesses in the case including Susan Lynch and must not enter Labworth Road on Canvey.

The case has now been discontinued.

Essex Police has confirmed that Mr Lynch was wanted by officers for allegedly breaching his bail condition on five occasions upto and including on March 13, when the horrific incident took place.

A spokesman said: "Kieren Lynch was arrested following a disturbance on Canvey on Thursday, January 11 and subsequently charged with criminal damage.

"He was granted conditional police bail and appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on January 29.

"He denied the charge and was granted conditional bail by the court to stand trial at the same court on March 22.

"Mr Lynch was wanted by police for alleging to have breached the bail conditions imposed by the court on January 29 on five occasions in March, one of those being March 13."