The grave in Fazakerley, Liverpool, was previously damaged in February when the two cherub statues were smashed. It is not known whether the two instances are connected
The grave of murdered toddler James has been attacked twice in a matter of weeks(Image: PA)
A 78-year-old man has been arrested after the grave of James Bulger was vandalised for the second time in just six weeks.
The grave was previously damaged in February when the two cherub statues were smashed. It is not known whether the two instances are connected. James’ mum Denise Fergus told of her “devastation and disgust” after his grave was smashed up again on Friday.
She had just had his resting place repaired and heads of the cherubs replaced after the previous attack, after well-wishers raised over £20,000.
James Bulger’s mum Denise Fergus hit out over the vandalism(Image: CHRIS NEILL)
James was two years old when he was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle and murdered by 10-year-old boys Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in 1993.
James’ mum Denise said: “It is a relief that someone has been arrested but it continues to be a distressing time for us. I really just want to know why these repeated attacks happened.”
Katie McCreath, Director of KMC Legal & Finance, who is Denise’s legal barrister said: “We can confirm that a 78-year-old man from Kirkby has been arrested in connection with the recent vandalisation of James Bulger’s grave.
“This is an incredibly distressing development for Denise and the wider family, who are once again having to endure the pain of such a deeply upsetting and senseless act.
“The family are understandably devastated. James’ resting place should be a place of peace, reflection and respect. The repeated violation of that space is both shocking and difficult to comprehend.
“We are in contact with the police and will continue to support the family through this process.”
After finding the grave had been damaged Denise said: “I am absolutely disgusted that James’ grave has been demolished and devastated again. It has broken our hearts. “The cherubs that we had got repaired with great care just a few weeks ago, have once again had their heads scythed off. How evil do you need to be to vandalise and destroy a child’s grave. I am devastated.”
James’ grave had just been repaired when it was vandalised again
After the grave was damaged for a second time Katie McCreath said: “We are deeply saddened and angered to confirm that the headstone of James Bulger has once again been subjected to vandalism.
“This marks the second incident of its kind, and it is both distressing and unacceptable. Denise is understandably devastated. For any parent, a gravesite is a place of reflection, peace, and remembrance. To have that space violated not once, but repeatedly, is something no family should have to endure. The impact of this goes far beyond damage to property. It is a deeply personal and emotional violation.”
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: ‘We have arrested a man from Kirkby after James Bulger’s grave was vandalised at Kirkdale Cemetery yesterday, Friday 10 April. At around 1.20pm, officers were informed of damage having been discovered to the grave.
“At 4.10pm, following enquiries, a 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of Criminal damage and theft. He has been taken to a police station.”
Temporary Detective Inspector Viki Lanceley said: “A man has now been arrested and we will continue to update and support James’s family as the investigation progresses. I would encourage anyone with information to come forward directly to police as soon as possible, in any of the following ways.”
