A 78-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act after the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger was vandalised in Liverpool. Police were called to Kirkdale Cemetery on Friday, April 10, following reports of damage to the grave.
Two-year-old James was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993. He was tortured and murdered by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, and his body was found on a railway line in Walton, Liverpool, two days later.
Investigation and Arrest
Officers launched an investigation into the vandalism, discovering that several other graves had also been targeted, with ornaments stolen from them. A 78-year-old man from Lancashire was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. He was taken to a police station in Merseyside.
The man has since been detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and admitted to a mental health hospital, Merseyside Police confirmed.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said: "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 from gravestones were also recovered by our officers during the investigation and have now been returned to the rightful families."
She 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. I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank James' family and the other families whose gravestones were damaged for their ongoing support throughout our investigation."
Background
James Bulger's murder was one of the most notorious crimes in British history. The case sparked widespread outrage and led to changes in the justice system. Venables and Thompson were convicted in 1993 and served eight years in custody before being released on life license.
Anyone with information or concerns regarding the incident should contact Merseyside Police on @MerPolCC quoting reference 26000282253, report via the website, or call 101.
