Reward offered after Muslim graveyard vandalised in Watford
85 graves were damaged and Hertfordshire Police are treating it as a hate crime
A £5,000 reward is being offered after 85 graves were vandalised in the Muslim section of a cemetery in Hertfordshire.
The money is being offered by the charity Crimestoppers who have described the incident as 'deeply troubling'.
Numerous plaques commemorating the graves of babies and young children were damaged between 1pm and 5pm on Friday 11 April at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford.
Crimestoppers say the money is "for information we exclusively receive - that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible".
The act of vandalism is being treated as a hate crime by Hertfordshire Police.
Annabelle Goodenough, Crimestoppers 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 contribute without fear of repercussions. It is vital that we work together to ensure that the sanctity of our loved ones’ resting places is maintained.”
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, head of Hertfordshire’s Local Policing Command said investigations are still ongoing: "“We are continuing to investigate every line of enquiry 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.
“If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, please report this.”