James Bulger's grave vandalised for second time
Denise FergusThe grave of murdered toddler James Bulger has been vandalised for a second time in six weeks.
Two cherub statue heads next to the two-year-old's headstone have been cut off at Kirkdale Cemetery in Liverpool just after 13:00 GMT on Friday.
A 78-year-old man, from Kirkby, has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. James's mother Denise Fergus is "devastated" by the vandalism.
The toddler was lured away from his mother in February 1993 at a Bootle shopping centre by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson - then both aged 10 - who tortured and killed him.
Det Insp Viki Lanceley, of Merseyside Police, said the force was continuing to "update and support James's family".
"I would encourage anyone with information to come forward directly to police as soon as possible," she said.
Katie McCreath, who is part of Denise Fergus' legal team, said: "We are deeply saddened and angered to confirm that the headstone of James Bulger has once again been subjected to vandalism.
"This marks the second incident of its kind, and it is both distressing and unacceptable.
"Denise is understandably devastated."
PA MediaThe grave was previously damaged in February when the same two statues were smashed.
Speaking after the first instance of vandalism, James' mother said she felt "heartbreak" over the destruction.
More than £23,000 was raised to repair the grave following an appeal.
The family said they were "touched" by the public's generosity.
McCreath, director of KMC Legal, added: "For any parent, a gravesite is a place of reflection, peace and remembrance.
"To have that space violated not once, but repeatedly, is something no family should have to endure.
"The impact of this goes far beyond damage to property. It is a deeply personal and emotional violation."
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