James Bulger's grave vandalised for second time

The 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.

James 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.

Katie McCreath, who is part of his mother Denise Fergus' legal team, said she was "devastated" by the vandalism. Merseyside Police has been approached for comment.

McCreath, director of KMC Legal, 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."

The grave was previously damaged in February when the same two statues were smashed.

More than £23,000 was raised to repair the grave following an appeal.