Reward offered after Muslim graveyard vandalism

A £5,000 Crimestoppers reward has been offered after 85 graves were vandalised in the Muslim section of a cemetery.

The damage to the plaques and graves at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Hertfordshire is being treated by police as an Islamophobic hate crime.

The charity said the money would be "for information we exclusively receive - that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible".

It said the "deeply troubling incident" happened between about 13:00 BST on Friday 11 April and 17:00 on Saturday 12 April.

"This shocking act of vandalism has sparked outrage and condemnation from the local community, prompting individuals from various backgrounds to unite against this hate crime," Crimestoppers said.

It asked for people to get in touch via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.

The reward would expire by 25 July, it added.

Annabelle Goodenough, its South East regional manager, said: "We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in seeking justice for the families affected by this devastating incident.

"Crimestoppers provides a pathway for individuals to share information anonymously, allowing them to speak up without fear of repercussions.

"It is vital that we work together to ensure that the sanctity of our loved ones' resting places is maintained."

The cemetery is in the Three Rivers District, south of Watford, but is owned by Brent Council in north London.

Ch Supt Jon Simpson, head of Hertfordshire's Local Policing Command, said: "We are continuing to investigate every line of inquiry into this terrible crime, which we continue to treat as an Islamophobic act.

"We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously."

He appealed for anyone with information to report it.

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