A 78-year-old man was arrested
11:52, 13 Apr 2026Updated 12:18, 13 Apr 2026
James Bulger
Merseyside Police issued an update this morning, Monday, April 13 after James Bulger’s grave was vandalised for the second time in six weeks. On Friday, April 10 James’s mum Denise Fergus revealed her son’s grave had been vandalised and the heads of two cherubs had been removed.
Denise, whose two-year-old son was kidnapped and killed in 1993, had his resting place repaired after an attack in February. The heads of two cherubs had to be replaced. She praised an “Army of Heroes” who raised more than £20,000 to repair his resting place.
But, at lunchtime on Friday she discovered “evil vandals! had once again scythed the heads of the treasured cherubs at the Merseyside grave site.
James Bulger’s grave smashed for second time
Merseyside Police renewed its search for the thugs and following enquiries a 78 year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. In an update today, Monday, April 13 police said the man has been released on conditional bail.
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
James Bulger’s mum Denise Fergus(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Following the arrest on Friday, 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.”
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.