A deeply distressing act of vandalism at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, has left families and the wider community in shock after 85 grave plaques, primarily belonging to babies and young children in the Muslim burial section, were damaged.
The incident, discovered on Sunday, April 13, has prompted a major police investigation, codenamed Operation Lunate, as well as a wave of public outrage and heartbreak.
Targeted Damage Sparks Hate Crime Concerns
Hertfordshire Police were alerted early on Sunday morning and responded quickly to the cemetery on Oxhey Lane, where they found extensive damage confined to the Muslim section—a dedicated area established in the 1980s and managed by Brent Council.
Among the desecrated graves were numerous plaques marking the resting places of babies and young children, leaving grieving families re-traumatised.
“This was an abhorrent and targeted act,” said Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson. “We are keeping an open mind as to the motive and treating the investigation with the utmost seriousness.”
As of Monday morning, officers remain on site to gather forensic evidence and provide visible reassurance to the public. Specialist officers are also supporting affected families and working to ensure the investigation is handled sensitively and respectfully.
Community Leaders Condemn the Attack
The vandalism has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials and residents. Councillor Abbas Merali, who represents Moor Park and Eastbury, described the incident as devastating:
“This has caused immense anguish. These graves represent cherished lives, and the pain inflicted on their families is immeasurable.”
Public reactions on social media have been swift and emotional, with many calling the act “vile,” “heartless,” and “Islamophobic.” While police have not yet classified the vandalism as a hate crime, calls are growing for it to be treated as such.
Cemetery History and Challenges
Founded in 1954, Carpenders Park Cemetery is a 14-acre woodland site featuring natural landscaping, the Hartsbourne stream, and a small lake. The Muslim section, created more than 40 years ago, holds deep significance for the local community.
As a lawn cemetery, the site permits only flat bronze or resin plaques, making the damage particularly visible and difficult to conceal. In recent years, the cemetery has faced challenges, including a shortage of burial plots and past disputes over grave decoration policies—though exceptions were granted for the Muslim section to allow certain traditional practices.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information
The process of identifying all affected graves is ongoing, and Brent Council is working with police to contact families. Officers have also been deployed to provide crime prevention advice and will visit other community venues to offer further support.
Anyone who believes a loved one’s grave may have been damaged is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Anna Cornish directly at [email protected], quoting ‘Op Lunate’.
Information can also be reported by:
- Calling 101
- Using the Hertfordshire Police online reporting tool or web chat
- Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111
As the investigation continues, the community is being urged to come together in support of those affected, and to report any suspicious behaviour or relevant information.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
