‘Horrendous Crime’: Dozens of Graves Vandalised in Muslim Cemetery in Watford
Hertfordshire Police confirmed that the incident is being treated as criminal damage and described the scale of the destruction as deeply troubling.
Officers are conducting extra patrols and working with community leaders to support affected families and gather information.
Inspector Will Rogers-Overy said police are “engaging with members of the Muslim community” in response to what he called “a horrendous crime,” particularly impacting those who have lost children.
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The cemetery, while located in Watford, is owned and managed by Brent Council. Council Leader Muhammed Butt expressed sympathy for the families, stating that "it looks as though Muslim graves have been targeted in what appears to be an Islamophobic hate crime."
He added that the council plans to restore the damaged plaques once police investigations conclude.
Wadi Funeralcare, which handles burials at the site, said it was “heartbroken” by the damage.
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A spokesperson said: “Some graves were subjected to unspeakable acts of disrespect,” adding that the discovery was made by a grieving family visiting a recently buried relative.
Community members, including Conservative Councillor Abbas Merali, condemned the incident, calling it a “barbaric act” that had “caused immense anguish.”
Wadi Funeralcare thanked those who offered immediate support, noting that the collective response reflected the community’s resilience in the face of such “deeply shaking” events.
Source: Agencies
