- Toddler and father found dead
- Police watchdog investigates oversight
- Social worker inquiries examined
On January 9, the toddler’s remains were discovered alongside those of his father at their Skegness residence. In the week before the deaths were found, a social worker asked Lincolnshire Police about Bronson’s well-being twice.
The police watchdog will determine whether officers “missed any opportunities” before the discovery of the bodies of a two-year-old boy and his father in a flat.
It was discovered that Bronson Battersby, aged 60, had died of starvation alone in the vicinity of his father, Kenneth, who had suffered a fatal heart attack over the Christmas holiday.
The infant and his father’s remains were discovered at their Skegness, Lincolnshire, residence on January 9. This occurred two weeks after a neighbour last observed them alive on Boxing Day.
Kenneth Battersby’s death days later is believed to have deprived Bronson of sustenance and water in the flat.
The watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has verified that an investigation will be conducted into the actions taken by Lincolnshire Police before the discovery of the bodies.
A social worker asked the police twice about Bronson’s wellbeing a week before the bodies were found.
It follows Bronson’s mother’s assessment that her son could not reach the refrigerator by two inches.
Regret and haunting aftermath unfold
Sarah Piesse, 43, stated to The Sun, “Bronson would have survived if he had been slightly taller.” “Adult Christmas leftovers would have cluttered the refrigerator.”
Additionally, she vowed never to absolve herself for failing to be present for him.
In 2019, the parents of a three-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son separated. Both parties agreed that Bronson would continue to reside with his father.
She reported being overcome with “regret” and being haunted by the image of Bronson desperately needing sustenance and water. “I am in a living nightmare and I am never going to wake up from it,” said the woman.
Bronson had been in the care of children’s services, and Lincolnshire County Council affirmed that social workers would see him on average once per month.
A council social worker attempted to contact Lincolnshire Police on two separate occasions during the week preceding the discovery of the father and son deceased. Despite knocking on Mr. Battersby’s door twice, no one answered.
A council spokesman verified that the social worker contacted Mr. Battersby on December 27 and scheduled a visit for January 2 but did not receive a response at the door when they arrived.
The social worker contacted law enforcement after “making inquiries at alternative addresses where the child might be.”
Police Response Investigation Initiated
On January 4, a subsequent unannounced visit occurred, this time without response; Lincolnshire Police were once more contacted.
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The proprietor granted access to the social worker to the premises on January 9; after that, the social worker discovered the remains of Mr. Battersby and his son.
Derrick Campbell, regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), issued the following statement: The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Kenneth and Bronson Battersby are genuinely shocking. Our sincere condolences are extended to all those impacted by their untimely demise.
We must conduct an independent investigation into the police response to any previously raised welfare concerns. We shall investigate whether the police failed to conduct earlier check-ins on Mr. Battersby and Bronson.
In due time, we will communicate with the family of Mr. Battersby and Bronson’s mother to provide an update on our progress and outline our responsibilities in the investigation.
