Grim basement flat where tragic toddler starved to death next to his dad's body

18 January 2024 , 08:53

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The basement flat where Bronson and his dad died (Image: Supplied)

Images show the dilapidated condition of the basement flat where Bronson Battersby tragically died with his dad.

The body of the two-year-old was found curled up beside his dead father Kenneth Battersby weeks after his mum last saw him alive, just before Christmas.‌ The tragedy has left neighbours in Skegness, Lincolnshire, as well as the landlady of the rented flat, “deeply distressed” and “numbed”.

Bronson is believed to have died from starvation and dehydration at his home several days after his 60-year-old dad died of a suspected heart attack. Their bodies were found in the grubby, rubbish-strewn basement flat where they lived with their pet dog on January 9 after days of attempts to contact them by concerned social services.

The child - who was classed as vulnerable and was being checked weekly - was found in his pyjamas in the dark alongside the family's emaciated pet boxer dog Skylar, who survived. Photos from outside the basement flat give an idea of the condition of the property with paint coming off the walls while in the garden there are children’s toys lying around.

Amanda Tovey, who lives in the flat above the dad and son, told the Mirror: “Ken tried to be a good dad but he was really struggling. Social services were aware he wasn’t coping very well but did very little, if anything to help.

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“He had sole custody of Branson and they lived alone. He was a cheeky lad and had a sweet little face but he craved love and attention. Whenever I saw him with his dad he would throw his arms around me and the last time I saw him he had given me a kiss on the cheek. He just wanted to be loved and cuddled.”

Bronson is believed to have died from starvation and dehydration (Facebook)

Paint can be seen peeling off the walls of the flat (Supplied)

Bronson and Kenneth were last seen alive on Boxing Day and the dad also texted a neighbour the following day. A social worker attempted two unannounced visits on January 2 and again on January 4, contacting police on both occasions. However, it would be another five days before access to the property was gained.

Kenneth's landlady, Maria Clifton-Plaice, told the BBC she was "just heartbroken", describing finding 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 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."

Bronson pictured with his dad Kenneth (Facebook)

Flowers left by the door (Supplied)

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.”

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.”

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.”

Tracey Kandohla