Police issue new statement after 2-year-old boy is found starved to death next to dad's body
Police in Lincolnshire have issued a new statement following the death of a two-year-old toddler.
Bronson Battersby was found dehydrated and starved to death next to the body of his father, Kenneth, on January 9.
The 60-year-old is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his flat in Skegness, Lincolnshire, some time after Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, the toddler - who was under children's services care - was left alone for two weeks in the dark, unable to eat and drink.
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Lincolnshire Police has previously said it was contacted by a Lincolnshire County Council social worker who got no answer when they tried knocking on the door of the home.
A spokesperson for the county council confirmed that the social worker had communicated with Mr Battersby on December 27 and arranged to visit on January 2.
The social worker then 'made inquiries at other addresses where the child could be' and contacted the police.
After a second unannounced visit on January 4 also went unanswered, Lincolnshire Police were said to have been contacted again.
Days later, on January 9, the social worker was let into the property by the landlord, where Mr Battersby and his son were found dead.
In a statement today (January 19), Lincolnshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham acknowledged that the death of Bronson, and his father Kenneth had 'understandably captured the attention and hearts of the public'.
She added: "The full circumstances involved are now the subject of a review and details will be examined within that, which will determine if there are lessons for any agency to learn.
"What I would like to make clear is that we did respond to information supplied to us, but for reasons of transparency we have also referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
"This is standard procedure, and they will be undertaking their own independent investigation."
Ms Debenham reassured members of the community that the force 'take necessary and appropriate action' when they receive calls regarding children.
She added: "Any speculation around the exact actions of any agencies involved at this stage is premature, though I do understand why our communities want answers as soon as possible.
"I know there are many questions about the exact actions that the police took, and we are limited in what we can say because of the pending inquiries.
"I would like to reassure the public that where we get calls for concern in relation to children, we take necessary and appropriate action to make sure they are as safe as possible, which is always based on the best information and intelligence available to us."
Lincolnshire County Council has begun to carry out a 'rapid review' of various agencies in the area following the tragic deaths.
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.”
Lucy Devine