A man has been admitted to a mental health hospital after the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger was vandalised. The incident occurred at Kirkdale Cemetery in Liverpool, where two-year-old James was laid to rest after being tortured and killed by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in 1993.
Police Investigation
Merseyside Police were called to the cemetery on Friday, April 10, following reports of damage to the grave. Officers discovered that several other graves had also been targeted, with ornaments stolen from them. The investigation led to the arrest of a 78-year-old man from Lancashire on suspicion of criminal damage and theft.
Mental Health Detention
The suspect was taken to a police station in Merseyside and subsequently detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. He has now been admitted to a mental health hospital, according to police. Detective Inspector Jemma Berry confirmed that the investigation has concluded.
Berry stated: "The 78-year-old man was detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 under compulsory detention and our investigation has now concluded. During the investigation, detectives established that several graves were targeted within Kirkdale Cemetery."
Stolen Ornaments Recovered
Police recovered stolen ornaments from the gravestones during the investigation and have returned them to the rightful families. Berry added: "We understand this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope members of the public feel reassured by this decision."
Community Reassurance
Berry urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers or contact their local police station. She also thanked James Bulger's family and the other affected families for their support during the investigation. Anyone with information can contact police on @MerPolCC quoting reference 26000282253, via the police website, or by calling 101.
