Man, 78, detained under mental health act after vandalism of James Bulger's grave

A man has been detained under the Mental Health Act 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.

The youngster's grave, in Kirkdale Cemetery, Liverpool, was vandalised on Friday, 10 April.

At around 1.20pm police informed that damage had been caused to the grave.

Merseyside Police have now confirmed that a 78-year-old man from the Lancashire area was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft later that day.

He was taken to a police station in Merseyside and was later detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act.

He is now in a mental health hospital and will remain at the premises for care and treatment, officers say.

Detective Inspector Jemma Berry, investigating, said: "The 78-year-old man was detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 under compulsory detention.

"Our investigation has now concluded, and officers will be informed of any developments or consideration for discharge."

During the investigation, she said detectives established that several other graves in the cemetery had been targeted, confirming that stolen ornaments from gravestones had been recovered by officers and returned to the rightful families.

Ms Berry went on: "We understand this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope members of the public feel reassured by this decision. I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank James's family and the other families whose gravestones were damaged for their ongoing support throughout our investigation."

(c) Sky News 2026: Man, 78, detained under mental health act after vandalism of James Bulger's grave