'Gorgeous' boy, 2, dies of starvation alone lying next to his dead dad
A "gorgeous" two-year-old boy has been found dead of starvation lying next to his dead dad.
Bronson Battersby was tragically found curled up in his pyjamas next to dad Kenneth, up to two weeks after they were both last seen. Kenneth, 60, who had a pre-existing heart condition, is believed to have died in the days after Christmas of a suspected heart attack. After this, little Bronson was left with no food or water and was found dead on January 9. The family’s dog, Skylar, is said to have survived the tragedy in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
A Lincolnshire County Council spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror today the discovery was made by the social worker and the property's landlady on January 9. They said it was "unlawful" for the social worker to otherwise gain entry, adding they are "devastated". The spokesperson said: "On Tuesday the 9th [the social worker] went round again to see Bronson. The landlady arrived with a key and went inside with the social worker where they found tragically two bodies, which is just awful and devastating for all involved."
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We can confirm that we have received a referral in relation to this matter from Lincolnshire Police and we are now assessing that to determine what further action is required from us.”
Bronson Battersby's body was found next to his dad (Facebook)
Bronson Battersby with his did Kenneth, 60 (Facebook)Kenneth's landlady, Maria Clifton-Plaice, quoted on the BBC said she was "just heartbroken", describing finding Mr Bronson's body as one of the "worst (days) of my life." She said she did not know Bronson well but added: "I know he'd come and started staying with Kenny recently and he was just probably the light of his dad's eye.
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"He was, I think, Kenny's chance to be a good dad." Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman described the events as a "tragedy". "It does appear that social services made repeated contact - they tried to get hold and the system did not seem to understand the potential gravity of the situation. That's what we've got to try and understand," he said.
A family friend told The Sun: “It breaks my heart. Bronson deserved so, so much better. They found him curled up at Kenneth’s legs. He was left in the dark and must have been terrified and so confused. He must have thought his dad was just asleep or something. He was just gorgeous. He was always smiling and so loving. He always wanted a cuddle.”
Bronson's mum Sarah, who went to identify his body, said: “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile. I could only touch him. He had been left there too long.” The initial post-mortem examination is said to have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
Another family friend, who had Bronson's teddy and woollen gloves on her mantelpiece, said: "It breaks my heart. Bronson deserved so, so much better. He was such a loving, adorable little boy. They found him curled up at Kenneth's legs. He was left in the dark and must have been terrified and so confused."
Bronson was under children's services care at the time and when Lincolnshire County Council social workers visited the property on January 2 and again two days later, there was no answer. Police were called but there was another five days before the bodies were discovered on January 9.
A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police told the Mirror: "Police were made aware of the deaths of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Skegness, at around 3.25pm on January 9. Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious. The matter has been passed to the coroner’s office.”
Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time. We are currently carrying out a review of the case alongside partner agencies to better understand the circumstances, and we await the results of the coroner’s investigations as well. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.”
Timeline
December 26 - Bronson was last seen alive when he waved at a neighbour who called on the boy and his dad
December 27 - Kenneth messaged a neighbour to say: “Thanks so much for caring, it means the world to me and Bronson.”
January 2 - A social worker knocked on the door but left when there was no answer. She made enquiries at other addresses, and called police.
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January 4 - The social worker made an unannounced visit to the property and when there was again no response she contacted police again.
January 9 - The social worker contacted the landlord and they found the bodies before police were informed at around 3.25pm that two bodies had been found
Bronson's mum Sarah was informed on the same day and later went to identify his body
January 16 - Family get the results of a post-mortem showing Kenneth died of a heart attack and Bronson from dehydration and starvation.
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