Elham Asaad Buaras
Hertfordshire Constabulary has launched an investigation after plaques on dozens of graves were desecrated in the Muslim burial section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford.
Officers were first alerted to the damage early on Sunday morning, April 13. Initial enquiries suggest that plaques marking 85 graves have been vandalised — all located in a section of the cemetery reserved for Muslim burials. A significant number of the graves are believed to be the resting places of babies and young children.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of the Local Policing Command described the incident as “abhorrent” and said it would “understandably spark an emotive reaction in the community.”
“We are continuing to work closely with our local community leaders and our partners at Brent Council, which owns the site, to identify those families who have been affected, but we appreciate that this will take some time,” he said.
“At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to the nature of this incident, and in the coming days, we will continue to engage with our Muslim communities to provide support and reassurance. We’re also working with specialist officers in the constabulary to ensure we remain sensitive and respectful to the needs of the communities involved.”
Specialist officers will provide crime prevention advice at the cemetery and plan to visit other cemeteries and community venues in the area to offer further support.
Chief Supt Simpson added: “Our team of detectives and investigators will continue to work very hard and quickly to ascertain the circumstances of this incident, but we are appealing to anyone who has information to please contact police as soon as possible.”
The cemetery, established in 1980, includes a designated section for Muslim burials that adheres to specific religious guidelines. As a lawn-style burial ground, it permits only flat bronze or bronze resin plaques, with upright memorials and grave enclosures prohibited to maintain a uniform, respectful appearance.
Wadi Funeralcare, a key funeral service provider for the local Muslim community, has issued a formal call to Brent Council — which manages the cemetery — demanding a comprehensive investigation and urgent preventative measures.
“The sanctity of our loved ones’ resting places must be preserved. We call upon Brent Council to ensure accountability and take immediate steps to prevent such distressing incidents from happening again. Our community expects meaningful action and lasting protection for the Muslim burial section at Carpenders Park,” said the organisation.
Among the first to respond was the KSIMC of London (Stanmore Jamaat), which issued a heartfelt message to its members and the wider public:
“We write to you with heavy hearts following the deeply distressing news that graves within the Muslim burial section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery have been vandalised. Reports confirm that plaques on children’s graves were destroyed, and other graves were subjected to shameful acts of vandalism. These abhorrent actions have caused immense anguish to grieving families and profound hurt across our community.
“We have written to Brent Council to express our deep sorrow and disgust, urging a thorough investigation and robust measures to ensure such desecration never happens again. We have also spoken directly with the Superintendent of Hertfordshire Police, who confirmed this is being treated as a serious and targeted act of vandalism.”
The Jamaat encouraged community members to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and contact Brent Council in support of a transparent investigation.
Local political figures have also condemned the attack. Councillor Abbas Merali, Conservative member for Moor Park and Eastbury, described the vandalism as “barbaric” and confirmed he is liaising with police and MP Gagan Mohindra to ensure justice is served.
“These abhorrent actions have inflicted profound emotional pain on grieving families and sent shockwaves through our wider community,” said Cllr Merali. “A comprehensive investigation is now underway, and I will continue working with authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
“Truly heartbreaking to see this Islamophobic hate crime so close to home in Carpenders Park. My thoughts are with those affected, especially the many Muslim families in and around Harrow who will be feeling deeply hurt and shaken,” said Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas.
“I know families who have visited the graves of loved ones every single day for a year after a loss – such a violation is not only hateful but deeply distressing. I’ve written to Hertfordshire Constabulary calling for a full investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and condemned the desecration in the strongest terms:
“Our thoughts are with the families of those whose graves were desecrated — I cannot imagine how they must be feeling at this moment.
“It looks as though Muslim graves have been targeted in what appears to be an Islamophobic hate crime. There is absolutely no place for hate or discrimination of any kind anywhere, but particularly in London – a city where everyone is welcome and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
“We will reinstate the damaged name plaques and restore Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the police investigation is complete.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hertfordshire Police by calling 101, using the online reporting form and quoting Operation Lunate, or by speaking to an operator via web chat.
Photo: Headstones marking the graves of babies and children were desecrated in the Muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford.(Credit: Wadi Funeralcare)
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