Police appeal for information after Muslim grave plaques damaged in hate crime - Carpenders Park

Police have confirmed they are investigating damage to Muslim grave plaques in Three Rivers as an Islamophobic hate crime.

On Sunday 13 April, police were informed of widespread damage to 85 plaques in Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery, all of which are in an area reserved for Muslim burials. Many of the graves affected are the resting places of babies and young children.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, head of Hertfordshire’s Local Policing Command, said: “We are continuing to investigate every line of enquiry into this terrible crime, which we are now treating as an Islamophobic act.

“During the initial stages of our investigation we explored several hypotheses as to how the damage may have occurred and for this reason, we had to be mindful of the words used to describe the incident in the public domain.

“However, now our inquiry has progressed we are confident that sadly, this was a religiously motivated act. We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously.”

The investigation team continues to liaise with Brent Council, which owns the cemetery site off Oxhey Lane, as they work to identify the families whose loved ones’ graves have been targeted. Senior police officers and the investigation team have been working closely with Sergeant Irfan Ishaq, Chair of the Hertfordshire Association of Muslim Police (HAMP), to assist with communication to the county’s Muslim community.

Sergeant Ishaq said: “Since the news of this religiously motivated act reached our Muslim communities, I have been listening to and recording their feedback and concerns. We completely understand their frustration at the delay in confirming it as a hate crime and stand with them in their condemnation of this dreadful incident.

“I’m sure the public can appreciate that 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.

“Our focus remains identifying the families of those whose graves have been affected so we can provide support and advice, and our partners at Brent Council are assisting us with this. Given the number of graves involved, and the fact that many of the families affected may no longer live locally, we anticipate that this will take some time as we continue to be sensitive and respectful in our work.

“We recognise that news of this crime will not only impact the Muslim community, but those from all walks of life. There will continue to be a police presence in and around the cemetery to reassure our community and provide advice where needed. In addition, a further community leaders meeting is being held tomorrow (Wednesday 16 April) to keep our Muslim community informed.”

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "On Monday, I visited the cemetery to talk to the grieving families. Understandably, they are in shock.

“Hertfordshire Police are investigating, and have confirmed that they are treating this as an Islamophobic hate crime, in which 85 Muslim graves were disgracefully targeted. 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.

“Brent Council continues to work closely with the police and with the families affected to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. I encourage anyone who thinks they have information that will help the investigation to contact the police.

“The council will reinstate the damaged name plaques and return Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance for families as quickly as possible, once the police have finished their investigation.”

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for information in relation to this crime, which occurred between 1pm on Friday 11 April and 5pm on Saturday 12 April.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in or around the cemetery between these times, or believes they have information about who is responsible, should contact Detective Sergeant Anna Cornish on [email protected], quoting ‘Op Lunate’.

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.