More than 80 Muslim graves, including those of babies and children, have been desecrated at a cemetery in what has been called an “Islamophobic hate crime”.
An investigation has been launched following the “utterly heartbreaking” attack at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery near Watford over the weekend.
Images circulating online show destroyed plaques in the Islamic burial section in what police confirmed was an incident at “a very specific section” of the site.
Wadi Funeralcare, a Willesden-based Muslim funeral director, said it was “heartbroken” after being alerted by a bereaved family who had recently buried a loved one at the site.
“Some graves were subjected to unspeakable acts of disrespect,” a spokesman said. “Their pain and anguish were deeply felt by all of us.”
These abhorrent actions have caused profound hurt across our community
Abbas Merali
Officers are carrying out extra patrols around the cemetery and have appealed for witnesses and information. No arrests have been made so far.
Inspector Will Rogers-Overy, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “Senior officers are working closely with local community leaders to identify those family members who will be most affected.
“In the coming days we will engage further with the Muslim community who will have been particularly impacted by this horrendous crime.”
The cemetery, on Oxhey Lane, is in the Watford non-metropolitan district but is owned by Brent London Borough Council, which is contacting all affected families.
Labour’s Muhammed Butt, who leads the council, said: “It looks as though Muslim graves have been targeted in what appears to be an Islamophobic hate crime.
“We will reinstate the damaged name plaques and return Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the police have finished their investigation.”
Carpenders Park councillor Rue Grewal added: “This cowardly incident involved the destruction of memorial plaques on children’s graves and the desecration of several other graves.
“There is no place in our community for such heartless and reprehensible actions, and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms”
And Abbas Merali, a Conservative councillor at Three Rivers District Council, described it as “a barbaric act”.
“These abhorrent actions have caused immense anguish to grieving families and profound hurt across our community,” he added.
Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, denounced the desecrations as “disturbing” and “vile”.
