James Bulger's grave desecrated in act of “appalling” vandalism - mum Denise Fergus "devastated”

The mother of James Bulger is “truly heartbroken” after discovering her son’s grave has been desecrated in an “appalling” act of vandalism. Two-year-old James was tortured and murdered by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993.

Posting to social media on Thursday (February 26), his devastated mum, Denise Fergus, revealed that the little boy’s final rating place in Kirkdale Cemetery, Liverpool had been “smashed to pieces”.

Shocking images show the two marble cherubs adorning the headstone have been beheaded and wings broken off, along with several roses and other flowers kicked onto the floor. Merseyside Police have since confirmed they have launched an investigation and branded the act of vandalism "appalling".

Speaking on Friday (February 27), Denise's husband Stuart, said: "Denise is truly heartbroken. We have had many messages offering support over what's happened. We honestly don't know if the cherubs can be repaired or if new ones will be needed. We are meeting a specialist today to let them decide on what to do next."

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Denise wrote: "Today I felt my heart break once again. We got a message from a lady walking her dog at the cemetery where James’s resting place is. She sadly told us his headstone and surround had been vandalised.

“We rushed down there to find the cherubs each side of his headstone had been smashed to pieces. I need to find whoever done this to my son’s resting place. I try to help as many families as I can with either justice campaigns or helping families through the charity I set up in his memory and some horrid bstrd has done this… to a babys grave! Really??

"If anyone has any information please send it via the charity page James Bulger Memorial Trust or contact Merseyside Police and let them know if you have seen or heard something. We think this happened between 10am and 3.30pm today. Could you please share this post to make sure the person or persons involved are caught and prosecuted. I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to My James."

Merseyside Police confirmed they received a report damage had been caused to James’ final resting place. The force said they believed the incident took place at some point between 9am and 3pm and they are currently supporting the family.

A force spokesperson said: "We are appealing for information after James Bulger’s grave was vandalised at Kirkdale Cemetery yesterday (Thursday 26 February). At around 4.20pm, we received a report that damage had been caused to two large marble angels on either side of the headstone, a smaller angel had been put in a nearby bin and a yellow teddy had been stolen.

"It’s believed that the incident would have taken place at some point between 9am and 3pm. Officers attended the scene and offered support to the family. Initial enquiries were carried out, which included a search of the area, and we continue to explore any CCTV and witness opportunities."

Local Policing Inspector Chris Taylor said: “We are taking this matter extremely seriously and remain determined to find the person or people responsible. To vandalise a grave is completely abhorrent and it’s truly shocking to think that someone could commit such an appalling act.

"Officers attended the scene when the incident was first reported and we are supporting the family during our enquiries. 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.

"We believe the vandalism was caused at some point between 9am and around 3pm so if you know anything, come forward.”

A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support the family in repairing the grave. It has currently received over £4,500 in donations towards the £6,500 target.