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Family recovers stolen items from James Bulger's grave
The relatives of James Bulger, the toddler murdered in 1993, have announced they have retrieved several items taken from his vandalised grave in Liverpool.
Background of the crime
James Bulger, aged two, was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle in February 1993. He was subsequently tortured and killed by two 10-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. The case shocked the UK and remains one of the most notorious crimes in British history.
Recent vandalism incidents
James's grave in Kirkdale Cemetery has been targeted twice in the last six weeks. Cherub statues near his headstone were damaged in February and again earlier this month. A fundraising campaign to repair the memorial raised over £23,000.
Recovery of stolen items
The family shared the news on the James Bulger Memorial Trust's Facebook page, stating they had found the two vandalised cherub heads following a tip-off. They also recovered the original sleeping cherub and other stolen items from James's resting place.
"We have also now found the original sleeping cherub and a couple of other items stolen from James's resting place."
James Bulger Memorial Trust
The family added that other graves had been targeted as well, and police are working to return seized items to the affected families.
Police investigation
A 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of theft and criminal damage in connection with the incidents.
Community support
The outpouring of support for the Bulger family has been significant, with the repair fund reaching its target quickly after the vandalism came to light.
