A 78-year-old man has been arrested following a second act of vandalism at the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger in Liverpool, just six weeks after a previous attack. The incident has left the child's mother, Denise Fergus, heartbroken and disgusted, as the grave had only recently been repaired with funds raised by well-wishers.
Repeated Vandalism at Kirkdale Cemetery
The grave, located in Kirkdale Cemetery in Fazakerley, Liverpool, was first damaged in February when two cherub statues were smashed. On Friday, April 10, it was targeted again, with the cherubs' heads scythed off once more. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a man from Kirkby on suspicion of criminal damage and theft after officers were alerted to the damage at around 1:20 pm.
Mother's Anguish and Legal Team's Response
Denise Fergus, who had just overseen repairs to the resting place after over £20,000 was raised following the initial vandalism, described her devastation. "I am absolutely disgusted that James’ grave has been demolished and devastated again. It has broken our hearts," she said. "How evil do you need to be to vandalise and destroy a child’s grave? I am devastated."
Katie McCreath, Director of KMC Legal & Finance and part of Denise's legal team, added that the repeated vandalism is deeply distressing and unacceptable. "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," she stated.
Police Investigation and Appeal for Information
Temporary Detective Inspector Viki Lanceley of Merseyside Police emphasised that the investigation is ongoing, with the arrested man taken to a police station. "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," she said. It remains unclear whether the two instances of vandalism are connected.
Background on James Bulger's Case
James Bulger 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. His grave has become a site of remembrance, making the repeated attacks particularly poignant and disturbing for the family and public alike.
