Muslim graves of children and babies belong to at least 85 damaged by vandals in ‘Islamophobic hate crime’ at the Watford cemetery
At least 85 Muslim graves, including those of dozens of babies, were damaged by vandals at a cemetery in Hertfordshire.
Vandalism was discovered on Sunday morning at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford, where the police launched an investigation.
Dozens of serious markers were discovered destroyed or damaged at the cemetery in three rivers – all within the Muslim section of the cemetery.
A large number of damaged graves are considered the resting place of babies and young children, with many broken or cracked in two.
Officers were present on Sunday morning and stayed on the spot and asked questions.
Abbas Merali, conservative councilor for Moor Park and Eastbury, placed disturbing images of Baby’s burial markings that have been littered over the floor.
Carpenters Lane Cemetery is a Multi -Relief Location that was opened in 1954. No upright memorials are allowed, only approved bronze resin plaques that are placed in the ground.
The cemetery has reserved a Muslim area to meet the large Muslim population of the area.
North Watford – Councilor Asif Khan investigates the damage caused to the Muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford – including serious babies markers
In a message on Facebook, Mr. Khan said that he was ‘deeply sad and indignant’ by vandalism on the Muslim baby and children’s section of the cemetery
Dozens of serious markers were discovered destroyed or damaged at the cemetery in three rivers – all within the Muslim section of the cemetery
In 2021, 44.4% of people in Watford described themselves as a Christian, while 13.0% was Muslim, an increase of 9.9% the decade before that.
The leader of Brent Council, councilor Muhammed Butt, shared a statement about desecration and described it as an ‘Islamophobic hate crime’.
He said that up to 100 graves may have been the target.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those whose graves are descended, I can’t imagine how to feel at the moment,” he said.
‘This is a very serious incident and we continue to work closely with the Hertfordshire police to inform family members and bring the perpetrators to court.
‘I encourage everyone who thinks they have information that will help the investigation to call the police at 101.
‘It seems that Muslim graves have been the target, in what an Islamophobic hate crime seems to be.
‘There is absolutely no room for hatred or discrimination of any kind, but especially in London – a city where everyone is welcome and our diversity is one of our biggest strengths.
It is believed that a large number of damaged graves are the resting place of babies and young children, with many broken or cracked in two
“We will restore the damaged name Plaques and bring Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery back to a peaceful, quiet place of memory as soon as the police have ended their investigation.”
The council said it understood that vandalism took place on Saturday.
Brent Council worked with the police this weekend to ensure that everyone who must be, is contacted and that the work will continue today.
They added that the Hertfordshire police treated it as a hate crime.
Extra security can be added in the coming days.
Chief inspector Jon Simpson, from the local police assignment, said: ‘This is a disgusting incident and an incident that will understandably cause an emotional response in the community.
‘We continue to work closely with our local community leaders and our partners of Brent Council, who owns the site, to identify those families affected, but we appreciate that this will take some time.
‘At this stage we will keep an open mind about the nature of this incident and in the coming days we will continue to deal with our Muslim communities to offer support and reassurance.
‘We also work together with specialized officers in the police to ensure that we remain sensitive and respectful for the needs of the communities involved.
‘Moreover, specialized officers will go to Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to give advice to crime prevention.
“They also plan to attend other cemeteries and community locations in the area to offer further reassurance and advice.”
The Force has set up a special operation while it dives into who could be responsible, called Operation Lunate.
Ch SPPT Simpson added: “Our team of detectives and researchers will continue to work very hard and quickly to check the circumstances of this incident, but we appeal to anyone who has information to contact the police as quickly as possible.”
He said: ‘I am devastated to report the disturbing news that graves within the Muslim funeral of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery have been destroyed.
‘Reports confirm that plaquettes on the graves of children were destroyed and other graves were subjected to shameful acts of vandalism.
‘These disgusting actions have caused an enormous fear of mourning families and deep pain in our community.
‘My thoughts go out to those families who have been hit by this barbaric act.
‘I spoke directly with the chief inspector Sally Phillips from the Hertfordshire police, who confirmed that this is being treated as a serious and targeted act of vandalism.
‘A full investigation is now underway. I will follow the Hertfordshire police team and our MP @Gaganmohindra to ensure that no stones remain undisturbed.
‘Stay vigilant when visiting Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery and report any concerns or unusual activities to the authorities.
“At the moment we have to stand together to ensure that such an action never happens again.”
Anyone who believes that the grave of his loved one may have been struck is asked for detective sergeant Anna Cornish on anna.cornish@herts.police.uk directly to the reference ‘on Lunate’ to e -mail and record their contact details.
