An act of vandalism that saw 85 graves in the Muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford desecrated is now being treated as an Islamophobic hate crime, police have confirmed.
The extensive damage, which was discovered on Sunday, included broken plaques, destroyed headstones, and the removal of topsoil, with many of the affected graves belonging to babies and children. Heartbreaking images show small name plaques strewn across the grass, many torn from snapped wooden stakes.
Police Confirm Religious Motivation
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Constabulary said that, while officers initially explored several lines of inquiry, the investigation has now established that the attack was religiously motivated.
“Now our inquiry has progressed, we are confident that sadly, this was a religiously motivated act,” Ch Supt Simpson said.
“We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously.”
A visible police presence remains at the site as investigations continue and efforts are made to identify the families of those affected.
Community Response and Police Acknowledgement
Sergeant Irfan Ishaq, also involved in the investigation, acknowledged the frustration felt by Muslim communities at the delay in recognising the incident as a hate crime.
“We completely understand their frustration… and stand with them in their condemnation of this dreadful incident,” Sgt Ishaq said.
“As police, it is important for us to approach every incident reported to us with an open mind to ensure an unbiased and fair investigation.”
Calls for Justice and Restoration
The cemetery, while located in Watford, is owned and managed by Brent Council, based in north London. Earlier this week, Labour council leader Muhammed Butt pledged to restore the damaged plaques and return the site to a “peaceful, quiet place of remembrance” as swiftly as possible.
The attack has caused widespread outrage and grief within local communities and across the country, with community leaders and organisations condemning the desecration as a deeply hurtful and targeted act.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hertfordshire Police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
A dedicated support line for affected families has been set up by Brent Council.
