Up to 100 Muslim graves, including those of babies and children, have been desecrated at a cemetery in a suspected Islamophobic hate crime.
An investigation has been launched following the "utterly heartbreaking" attack on Saturday at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery on London’s boundary 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.
Brent Council, which owns the cemetery, confirmed on Monday that it is working closely with the police to bring in extra security measures in the area.
Council leader Muhammed Butt explained that it appeared “Muslim graves have been targeted, in what appears to be an Islamophobic hate crime”.
He added: “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 return Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the Police have finished their investigation.”
The council also confirmed that Hertfordshire Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.
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
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.
Councillor Butt added: “Our thoughts are with the families of those whose graves were desecrated, I cannot imagine how they must be feeling at this moment.
“This is a very serious incident, and we continue to work closely with Hertfordshire Police to inform family members and bring the perpetrators to justice. I encourage anyone who thinks they have information that will help the investigation to call the Police on 101.”
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".
