Graves of babies and children defaced in the muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery

Police have launched an urgent investigation after 85 graves—many of them belonging to babies and children—were vandalised in a cemetery in Hertfordshire. The attack took place in a section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery on Oxhey Lane, reserved for Muslim burials, and has sent shockwaves through the local community.

The alarm was raised early on Sunday morning (13 April) when the desecration was first discovered. Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary responded quickly and began combing the scene for clues. They remain at the site, offering both investigative presence and visible reassurance to grieving families and local residents.

The damage is extensive. Plaques marking dozens of burial plots have been defaced or destroyed—each one representing a life lost and a family in mourning. Most of the targeted graves are believed to be the resting places of infants and young children.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, from the Local Policing Command, condemned the incident in strong terms:

“This is an abhorrent incident and one that will understandably spark an emotive reaction in the community. We are working closely with local leaders and Brent Council, which owns the site, to identify affected families. But we know this will take time.”

He stressed that officers are keeping an open mind about the nature and motive behind the attack. “We’re continuing to engage with our Muslim communities to provide reassurance and support,” he said.

Officers with specialist training in sensitive and faith-based incidents have been deployed to the cemetery. They will also visit other cemeteries and community venues in the area in the coming days, offering crime prevention advice and emotional support to those affected.

There is, as yet, no confirmation on whether the damage was deliberate or religiously motivated. But the fact that all 85 plaques were located in the Muslim section has raised serious concerns among residents.

Families who believe their loved one’s grave may have been affected have been asked to get in touch directly with Detective Sergeant Anna Cornish, referencing ‘Op Lunate’ in their emails. The constabulary has urged those with any information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist the investigation.

Ch Supt Simpson appealed directly to the public:

“Our team of detectives and investigators is working tirelessly to establish exactly what happened. But we need your help. If you saw anything suspicious or have heard anything relevant, please contact us immediately.”

Community leaders, too, have voiced their distress. One local imam, who visited the site to console bereaved families, said: “This is not just damage to property. This is an attack on memory, on grief, and on peace. The children buried here deserved dignity. Their families deserved respect.”

Brent Council, which owns and manages the cemetery, has pledged to assist the investigation fully and support families as the extent of the damage becomes clear.

The investigation remains ongoing. As police patrols continue at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery, the wider community waits—stunned, saddened, and hoping for justice.