Social worker and landlady found two-year-old's body curled up next to dead dad
The bodies of Bronson Battersby and his dad were found by a social worker and their rented property's landlady - as the police force investigating the case has been referred to an independent watchdog.
The two-year-old was left in the dark without food or water before the grim discovery at their home in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on January 9 - two weeks after they were last seen. Dad Kenneth, 60, is understood to have had a pre-existing heart condition and had reportedly become severely jaundiced over recent months.
The pair were last seen alive on Boxing Day and Kenneth also texted a neighbour the following day. A social worker had also made contact with Bronson's dad on December 27th then attempted two visits - on January 2 and again on January 4 - contacting police on both occasions when there was no answer at the home. However, it would be another five days before access to the property was gained and the grim discovery of Bronson's body curled up by the feet of his dead dad. Next to the bodies was their pet boxer dog Skylar, emaciated but alive.
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. The council - which has instigated a "rapid review" of the case - 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."
Meanwhile, 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.”
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Bronson Battersby with his dad Kenneth, 60 (Facebook)
Bronson and his dad were found by a social worker and their landlordLincolnshire Police officers then called at the address before Bronson's mum Sarah Piesse, 43, who had shared custody of Bronson, was informed and heartbreakingly told of how she was unable to pick up her son when she went to identify his body. She said it is believed Kenneth died no earlier than December 29, so if the social worker had forced their way in the toddler "would still have been alive". The mum-of-three had not seen Bronson since before Christmas following a row with his dad.
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.
"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 spokeswoman for the force 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.”
The initial post-mortem examination results are reported to have been given to Bronson's mum. It is thought the toddler starved to death after his dad had a heart attack.
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.”
Kenneth's landlady, Maria Clifton-Plaice, told 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. He was, I think, Kenny's chance to be a good dad."
A family friend told The Sun: “Kenneth loved Bronson more than anything. They were like two peas in a pod. He would have done anything for him. They were everything to one another. I keep having a mental picture of Bronson trying to wake his dad up, alone and confused. It makes me so angry.”
The friend added that little Bronson must have assumed his dad was sleep and described the "gorgeous" toddler who "loved anything that made a noise". He must have thought his dad was just asleep or something.
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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."
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.”
Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman described the events as a "tragedy", saying: "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."
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.” A social worker made contact with the dad to arrange a visit
January 2 - a social worker knocked on the door for the pre-arranged visit 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.
January 9 - the social worker contacted the landlord and they discovered 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 reported to have been given results of a post-mortem showing Kenneth died of a heart attack and Bronson from dehydration and starvation.
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