Merseyside Police reported that damage to the grave was discovered at 1:20 PM on Friday, and a 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested at 4:10 PM on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. According to the police, this incident marks the second time James Bulger's grave has been vandalized in six weeks. Temporary Detective Inspector Viki Lanceley stated that a man has now been arrested and police will continue to update and support James’s family as the investigation progresses, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The specific damage done to the grave and what, if anything, was stolen have not been disclosed by authorities. The motive behind the vandalism remains unclear, and the current status of the arrested man, such as whether he has been charged or released on bail, is unknown. Police have not indicated if there are other suspects or persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.