LONDON: In a deeply distressing incident in the United Kingdom, over 80 Muslim graves were vandalized in the town of Watford, located in the capital city’s greater London area, sparking outrage within the British Muslim community.
A British magazine has revealed that dozens of graves at a Muslim cemetery in Watford were desecrated by extremists in what is being described as a potential hate crime driven by Islamophobia. According to local sources, more than 80 graves were targeted in the attack.
Authorities from Watfordshire Police have confirmed that an active investigation is underway, although no arrests have been made so far.
Chief Superintendent John Simpson is reportedly leading the inquiry, which officials are treating as a serious offense with potential to incite racial and religious unrest.
A spokesperson for a local burial management organization condemned the act, calling it “utterly inhumane” and attributing it to hatred against Muslims and rising Islamophobic sentiments.
British Muslims have expressed profound grief and outrage over the desecration. Many community members described the attack as “a painful wound”, highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted by such targeted acts of hate.
The police have acknowledged the shock and anger within the Muslim community and assured that authorities are in constant communication with community leaders, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice soon.
