Update after James Bulger’s grave vandalised twice in two months

Denise Fergus shared an update weeks after a man was arrested

The mum of James Bulger has issued an update after her son’s grave was vandalised twice in a matter of weeks. James was just two years old when he was abducted and murdered by then-10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993.

Denise Fergus, mum of James, revealed on February 26 that James’s grave in Kirkdale Cemetery had been vandalised. Photos shared by the family showed two stone angels, which sit in front of the gravestone, had been damaged, with the heads broken off and on the floor.

To the family’s devastation, on April 10 they announced his grave had been vandalised for a second time. This time the heads of the two cherubs had been removed and a heartfelt appeal was made for their return.

Following a report to Merseyside Police, officers arrested a 78-year-old man from Kirkby on suspicion of criminal damage and theft.

A fundraiser was set up which raised upwards of £20,000. Denise has now shared an update with supporters.

Posting on the James Bulger Memorial Trust Facebook page, Denise wrote: “Following a tip off from a member of the public we have found the two vandalised cherub heads.”

She added: “We have also now found the original sleeping cherub and a couple of other items stolen from James’s resting place.”

Several items have also been recovered which are believed to have been taken from other graves in the local area.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call 101 or DM @MerpolCC on social media, quoting reference number 26000282253.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/g

Following the arrest earlier this month, 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.”

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