Attack on 85 graves treated as Islamophobic crime

Many plaques in memory of babies and children were destroyed or damaged

The damage caused to 85 graves in the Muslim section of a cemetery is being treated as an Islamophobic hate crime, police have said.

The vandalism to the plaques and graves at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Hertfordshire - many belonging to babies and children - was reported on Sunday.

Ch Supt Jon Simpson said the force had explored several potential reasons for the damage and wanted to be careful how it was described to the public.

"However, now our inquiry has progressed we are confident that sadly, this was a religiously motivated act," he said.

"We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously."

The damage is in the Muslim burial section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery

Ch Supt Simpson's colleague Sgt Irfan Ishaq said he had been "listening to and recording feedback" from Muslim communities.

"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," he said.

"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."

Damage included broken name plaques and headstones and the removal of top soil

Officers are working to identify families affected by the damage and a police presence is expected to remain in the area.

The cemetery is in the Three Rivers District, but owned by Brent Council in north London.

Earlier this week, Labour leader Muhammed Butt said the council would reinstate the damaged name plaques and return the cemetery to a "peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible".