Mother of murdered toddler James Bulger left ‘devastated’ after son’s grave vandalised

A shocking act

On Thursday, 26 February, officers were called to Kirkdale Cemetery in Liverpool, following reports that the memorial to the murdered toddler had been significantly damaged and items stolen.

The site was targeted during the day, with two large marble angels positioned on either side of the headstone damaged, Merseyside Police said.

From the site, a yellow teddy bear left as a tribute was stolen, while a smaller angel statue was discovered after being discarded in a nearby bin.

The incident took place between 9.00am and 3.00pm, police believe, while the cemetery was open to the public.

James’ mum, Denise Fergus, said in a statement on social media that “today I felt my heart break once again”.

She urgently appealed for help to find the perpetrator, as he added that “I'm devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James.”

Merseyside Police is “determined” to find those responsible for the damage, inspector Chris Taylor said, as he condemned the act.

“To vandalise a grave is completely abhorrent and it’s truly shocking to think that someone could commit such an appalling act”, he said.

Detectives are seeking witnesses who may have been visiting the cemetery during the six-hour window, as they are now reviewing CCTV footage.

“If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious or have any information about what happened, please get in touch as a matter of urgency”, inspector Taylor added.

James was two years old when he was murdered by two 10-year-old boys in 1993, after he was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle.