Islamophobic Attack on Muslim Graves in UK Cemetery Sparks Outrage
Police confirm the vandalism of 85 Muslim graves in Hertfordshire as an Islamophobic hate crime
By Abdullahi Yusuf
olice have confirmed that the desecration of 85 graves in the Muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Hertfordshire is being treated as a religiously motivated hate crime.
The graves, many belonging to children and babies, were found vandalized, with plaques broken, headstones damaged, and topsoil removed.
The incident was reported on Sunday and has since drawn widespread condemnation.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson acknowledged the seriousness of the attack, stating that while police initially explored multiple potential motives, they are now confident it was a deliberate act of Islamophobia.
“We want to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are treating this crime with utmost seriousness,” he said.
Wadi Funeralcare, a Muslim funeral service, expressed heartbreak over the incident, stating that “some graves were subjected to unspeakable acts of disrespect.”
The cemetery, located in the Three Rivers District but owned by Brent Council in north London, has been at the center of efforts to support grieving families.
Police are working to identify the affected families, and a heightened presence remains in the area to provide reassurance.
The attack has reignited concerns about Islamophobia in the UK, with community leaders calling for increased vigilance and action to prevent such incidents.
The desecration of 85 Muslim graves in Hertfordshire reflects a troubling rise in Islamophobic hate across the U.K.
According to Tell Mama, a leading organisation tracking anti-Muslim hate crime, 6,313 cases of anti-Muslim hate were recorded in 2024—a 43% increase from the previous year.
Of these, 3,680 incidents occurred offline, marking a 72% surge compared to two years ago.
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