The Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt, shared a statement as Police investigate an incident at Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery:
“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.
“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 return Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the Police have finished their investigation.”
Further information about the incident
• Up to 100 graves were desecrated, including the graves of children and babies. We understand this happened on Saturday.
• Brent Council has been working with the police over the weekend to make sure everyone who needs to be is contacted, and that work will continue today.
• Hertfordshire Police are treating this as a hate crime.
• Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery is located in Watford but owned by Brent Council.
• Given this horrific incident, Brent Council will now be working closely with the Police to put in place any extra security measures needed to protect the area.
