28 April 2025 - update
The Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt, has issued an updated statement regarding the desecration of graves at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery:
“This is a deeply disturbing incident of a hate crime, and the fact that it occurred in the Muslim children’s section makes it even more painful for the families and their loved ones. At Brent Council, we are continuing to work closely with the police and are committed to supporting the affected families, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The council's team is available to assist any impacted families, and I urge anyone with information about this Islamophobic crime to contact the police by calling 101. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, every piece of information could be vital to the investigation - give information anonymously online.
“A total of 61 graves were damaged, and Hertfordshire Constabulary is preparing a report with recommendations to improve security at the site. On 24 April 2025, the police informed us that we could begin tidying the area, and we acted immediately to restore Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to a peaceful and respectful place of remembrance. The area has now been cleaned, and we have identified all the plaques that need replacing. We are currently reaching out to families to arrange replacements or permanent memorials.”
14 April 2025
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.
