17 January 2024 , 08:30
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A heartbroken mum says she was unable to hold her two-year-old toddler son when she went to identify his body, it was reported.
Bronson Battersby had reportedly starved to death after his dad Kenneth - who had a pre-existing heart condition - died of a suspected heart attack on Boxing Day. The pair were found two weeks after they went missing.
Bronson was under children's services care at the time but was left with no food or water. When social workers allegedly visited the property on January 2 and again two days later, they received no answer when knocking on the door.
The family's pet dog, Skylar, is understood to have survived at the home in Skegness, Lincolnshire. The county council said the social worker made an unannounced visit to the property on January 4 and when there was again no response she contacted the police again. The keys to the property were then acquired from the landlord.
A Lincolnshire County Council spokesperson told the Mirror the bodies of Bronson and Kenneth were found by the social worker and the property's landlady on January 9. They 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."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Bronson Battersby was tragically found curled up dead next to his dad KennethA 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's mum Sarah - who went to identify his body - told The Sun: “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile. I could only touch him. He had been left there too long.”
A 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 Battersby with his did Kenneth, 60 (Facebook)The friend added that little Bronson must have assumed his dad was asleep and described the "gorgeous" toddler who "loved anything that made a noise". He must have thought his dad was just asleep or something.
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.”