Police are investigating an incident at Carpenders Park Law Cemetery in Watford, where 85 Muslim graves, many belonging to babies and young children, were found vandalised. The damage occurred sometime between the afternoon of Friday, 11 April and the evening of Saturday, 12 April, with authorities being alerted on Sunday, 13 April.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed that the act is being treated as an Islamophobic hate crime. Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, head of Hertfordshire’s Local Policing Command, stated, “We are continuing to investigate every line of enquiry into this terrible crime, which we are now treating as an Islamophobic act.” He added that while the initial investigation considered various possibilities, the inquiry has since established that the damage was motivated by religious hatred. Simpson further reassured the affected families and the wider Muslim community that the case is being taken very seriously.
The cemetery, located on Oxhey Lane and owned by Brent Council, has seen extra police patrols deployed while investigations continue. Brent Council is collaborating closely with police to identify and support the families whose loved ones’ graves were targeted. The council confirmed that damaged name plaques will be reinstated as soon as the police conclude their investigation.
Among those affected is Alicia Hussain, a bereaved Muslim mother whose daughter's grave was vandalised. Speaking to Wadi Funeralcare, Hussain described the scene as “unreal, like some cruel nightmare,” upon discovering shattered pots and broken plaques around her daughter’s grave, which is “all I have left of her in this world.” She revealed that the distress caused by the destruction triggered overwhelming emotions.
Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, who visited the cemetery on 15 April, expressed solidarity with the grieving families. He condemned the attack, affirming, “There is absolutely no place for hate or discrimination of any kind anywhere, but particularly in London – a city where everyone is welcome, and where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” Butt emphasised the council’s commitment to working with the police and affected families to ensure those responsible are held accountable. He encouraged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact Detective Sergeant Anna Cornish via email at [email protected], quoting ‘Op Lunate’, or to reach out to Hertfordshire Police directly. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.
The MyLondon news platform has reported extensively on the incident, providing updates on the investigation and community response.
Source: Noah Wire Services