17 January 2024 , 10:15
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Bronson Battersby, who tragically died of starvation next to his dead dad, was seen for the final time waving at a neighbour who checked in on the pair over Christmas.
The "loving and adorable" two-year-old boy was found curled up at the feet of his father Kenneth - who died of a heart attack - two weeks after they came into contact with a friendly neighbour. Kenneth, 60, is said to have suffered from a pre-existing heart condition and is believed to have passed away before the New Year.
It meant that little Bronson, who was under children's services care at the time, was left with no food or water and unable to get help. Social workers reportedly visited the property on January 2, and again two days later, but got no answer both times. By the time police entered the property on January 9, the tot was found dead.
The tot was last seen waving at a neighbour who checked in on him and his dad on Boxing Day (Facebook)
The post-mortem examination found Bronson died of starvation and dehydrationBronson's heartbroken 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." Sarah said she last saw her son before Christmas after rowing with her ex.
On Boxing Day, Bronson was seen alive for the final time when he waved at a neighbour who checked in on him and his dad at the home in Skegness, Lincolnshire. Kenneth reportedly texted a neighbour on December 27 to say: "Thanks so much for caring, it means the world to me and Bronson."
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That same day, Bronson's social worker messaged Kenneth to arrange a routine visit. It is believed December 29 is the earliest date Kenneth could have died. On January 2, the worker reportedly visited the property but there was no answer, so she made enquiries at other addresses and called the police.
Lincolnshire County Council said that the social worker made an unannounced visit to the property on January 4 and when there was no response she contacted police again. Once the keys to the property were acquired from the landlord, they made a grim discovery inside.
Bronson was curled up dead at his dad's feet. Preliminary tests found the tot had died of dehydration and starvation. Kenneth's pet boxer dog Skylar survived at the property. A family friend, who had Bronson's teddy and woollen gloves on her mantlepiece, said the boy "must have thought his dad was just asleep or something".
The friend told The Sun: "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." Another pal said: "Kenneth loved Bronson more than anything. They were like two peas in a pod. He would have done anything for him."
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.”
A spokesperson 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 Prince Alfred Avenue, Skegness, at around 3.25pm on Tuesday, 9 January. Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious. The matter has been passed to the coroner's office."
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.
January 4 - the social worker made an unannounced visit to the property and when there was again no response she contacted police again.
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January 9 - the social worker contacted the landlord 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.