Hertfordshire Constabulary: Damage at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery

Hertfordshire Constabulary has launched an investigation into damage caused to a number of grave plaques in a cemetery in Three Rivers.

The constabulary was first made aware of the damage early on Sunday morning (13 April), and officers promptly attended Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to begin their enquiries. They remain at the site on Oxhey Lane this morning to continue their investigation as well as provide community reassurance.

Initial enquiries suggest that plaques marking 85 graves have been affected, all of which are in a section of the cemetery reserved for Muslim burials. A large number of the damaged graves are believed to be the resting place of babies and young children.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, from the Local Policing Command, said: “This is an abhorrent incident and one that will understandably spark an emotive reaction in the community. We are continuing to work closely with our local community leaders and our partners at Brent Council, which owns the site, to identify those families who have been affected but we appreciate that this will take some time.

“At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to the nature of this incident and in the coming days we will continue to engage with our Muslim communities to provide support and reassurance.

“We’re also working with specialist officers in the constabulary to ensure we remain sensitive and respectful to the needs of the communities involved.

“In addition, specialist officers will be attending Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to provide crime prevention advice. “They are also planning to attend other cemeteries and community venues in the area to offer further reassurance and advice.”

Anyone who believes their loved one’s grave may have been affected is asked to email Detective Sergeant Anna Cornish on anna.cornish@herts.police.uk directly with the reference ‘Op Lunate’ and include their contact details.

Ch Supt Simpson added: “Our team of detectives and investigators will continue to work very hard and quickly to ascertain the circumstances of this incident, but we are appealing to anyone who has information to please contact police as soon as possible.”

You can report this online at herts.police.uk, by calling the non-emergency number 101 or using our online web chat facility, quoting ‘Op Lunate’.