17 January 2024 , 15:53
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Neighbours have been left heartbroken after the tragic death of a "gorgeous, happy" two-year-old and his dad.
Bronson Battersby was discovered curled up next to his dad Kenneth, 60 - two weeks after they were last seen. It is believed that Kenneth died in the days after Christmas of a suspected heart attack, leaving little Bronson with no food, water or help. The father and son were tragically found dead at a house in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on January 9. Neighbours have described their heartbreak at the tragedy.
Residents said that Prince Alfred Avenue, where they lived, is a street where people keep to themselves, but everyone who was spoken to knew Kenneth and his young son. A neighbour, visibly shaken and fighting back tears, told MEN Media: "What's important to know is that he was loved. He was a gorgeous, happy little boy who only ever wanted cuddles. His best friend was his dad. And I would say that was the case vice versa."
She added that she was "disgusted" by the speculation surrounding Bronson's mother, who she referred to as Sarah. She said: "She needs time to grieve now. What this street needs to do now is to grieve." Flowers had been placed at the backdoor of the home. Fellow resident Steven Constable, 69, said the pair had "kept to themselves," as many on the street did. He said: "I never really knew the guy. I last saw them months ago. It's sad - really sad. It's tragic that a youngster was involved."
A fellow resident, who did not want to be named, said he considered Kenneth a "nice guy". He said: "I'd always say hello and talk to him. You could always pass the time of day. It's upsetting. You keep yourself to yourself, and just wish that you could have done more."
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The youngster tragically died after his dad is believed to have suffered a heart attack
Neighbours have been left heartbroken after the tragedy (Facebook)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.” 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.” 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.”