Police in Merseyside have opened an investigation after the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger was vandalised.
Yesterday (26 February) the youngster's mother Denise Fergus uploaded an image of her son's grave after it had been vandalised, with the heads of two cherub statues standing next to the headstone missing.
Two-year-old James was lured to his death in 1993 by two 10-year-old boys - Jon Venables and Robert Thompson - while out with his mother at a Bootle shopping centre.
The toddler was taken to a train track by the two boys, where they tortured and killed him, leaving his body to be discovered days later.
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"I'm devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James," Denise said of the vandalism, going on to reveal she'd received a top off from a woman walking her dog in the cemetery.
"I need to find whoever done this to my son's resting place."
The incident has since been reported to Merseyside police, with the force now appealing for information which could lead to the vandals being apprehended.
Police confirmed that in addition to the heads of two cherubs being smashed, a third statue had been dumped in a waste bin and a yellow teddy bear stolen.
"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and remain determined to find the person or people responsible," Inspector Chris Taylor said of the incident.
"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."
Meanwhile a GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of Fergus, which aims to cover restoration costs to the grave.
"Today I felt my heart break once again... I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to My James," read a message from Fergus.
Believing the vandalism to have taken place between 10am and 3.30pm on 26 February, Denise asked for anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police or her charity, James Bulger Memorial Trust, in hopes that the culprit can be found.
Merseyside police asked anyone with information to call 101 or DM @MerpolCC on social media, quoting reference number 26000159300. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
Brenna Cooper