Man, 78, arrested after vandalism of James Bulger's grave

A man has been arrested following vandalism at the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger, police said.

Two-year-old James was tortured and murdered after being abducted from a shopping centre in Merseyside by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who were both aged 10 at the time, in 1993.

Earlier this week the youngster's grave, in Kirkdale Cemetery, Liverpool, was reportedly damaged for the second time in six weeks.

Merseyside Police said officers were informed that damage to the grave had been discovered at 1.20pm on Friday.

A 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft later that afternoon, the force said.

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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Man, 78, arrested after vandalism of James Bulger's grave