Mum of a two-year-old boy found dead in Skegness says it's a 'living nightmare'

Bronson Battersby was found next to his father who it's believed died of a heart attack

Flowers left outside the door of Kenneth and Bronson Battersby's home
Author: Julie CastonPublished 18th Jan 2024

Tributes are being left in Skegness for a father and son whose bodies were found next to each other in their home.

Toddler Bronson Battersby was found dead next to his father's body at his home on Prince Alfred Avenue.

Kenneth Battersby is thought to have had a heart attack sometime around Boxing Day, with the two-year-old then left alone to fend for himself.

Bronson's Mum Sarah has posted pictures on social media of her and her son together and said he brought 'so much happiness and joy' and that he'll be 'forever in our hearts'.

A social worker went to the property twice - calling the police when they didn’t get an answer - but it wasn’t until last Tuesday that the pair were found.

Sarah Piesse told The Sun newspaper that her son had starved to death after his father died and blamed social services for not doing more to help them.

The 43-year-old said: "If social services had done their job Bronson would still be alive.

"But they didn't do anything. I can't believe it. They can't let them get away with this.

"They think Kenneth died no earlier than December 29.

"It means if the social worker had pushed to get in when she got no reply on January 2 then Bronson would still have been alive."

According to the Sun Bronson's mum couldn't hold her son when she went to identify him as he was 'too fragile'

'A tragic incident'

Heather Sandy, executive director for children's services at Lincolnshire County Council, 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."

Prince Alfred Avenue in Skegness where the pair lived

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police confirmed they had made a referral to the IOPC.

They said: "The exact actions of organisations involved will be analysed in a forthcoming review and at this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.

"As part of standard procedures we have referred this to the IOPC as a result of a death or serious injury following police involvement."

The IOPC confirmed it had received a referral and is "assessing that to determine what further action is required from us".

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