A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged following an incident at a Wirral cemetery during which more than 100 headstones were knocked over.

He has been charged with theft and bailed to appear before Wirral Youth Court on Tuesday, September 2.

Two further youths arrested on suspicion of criminal damage remain on bail pending further inquiries.

Police were called to Flaybrick Cemetery in Bidston on the morning of Friday, May 23, to a report that around 100 headstones and memorials had been damaged.

It is believed a group of youths had caused the damage on the previous evening.

Neighbourhood Sergeant for Birkenhead, Kerri Ward, said at the time: "I want to reassure the local community that we take every incident of criminal damage extremely seriously.

"There can be nothing worse than finding the grave of a relative or loved one has been damaged and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice."

Two groups of young people volunteered to take part in a clean-up of the cemetery in July, supported byWirral Council’s youth and ranger services.

The youngsters contacted the council to offer their servics.

Nic Harding, a Ranger and the forest school leader for the council, said at the time: “I was surprised when I got the phone call.

"I expected that people would be distressed by the vandalism in Flaybrick but I was really gladdened by these young people, so enthusiastically defending their heritage and willing to come and help.

"I have to say it has seriously rekindled my faith in young people. Hopefully the message will carry to other youngsters and I would love to see a young persons' group having a say in the development of the heritage in this cemetery’s wonderful snapshot of Birkenhead history."

The police inquiry is still ongoing.

Anyone with information should call officers in Birkenhead on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.