Sister of toddler found starved to death next to dad says she finds comfort in how they looked when found
Bronson Battersby's sister has said she 'takes comfort' in how her baby brother and father were found.
Bronson, aged just two, 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 was left alone for two weeks in the dark, unable to eat and drink.
Advert
Preliminary tests found that Bronson had died of dehydration and starvation.
Ms Battersby, who shares a father with Bronson, said that she had taken some comfort in the fact that the pair were together when they passed.
“I was told that they were both found looking very peaceful,” she told BBC Breakfast.
“That is the only consolation I can take. That my little brother snuggled up to my dad. He didn’t look in pain. Neither of them did. And they were together.”
The 37-year-old also said that she does not blame social services after authorities tried to reach Kenneth in the days prior.
“I don't place any blame at all on them. I believe that social services and the police did what they could within the powers that they had and the information that they were given," she said.
"I'm glad that an inquiry is going to take place into whether there were any failings, missed opportunities. I'm really glad that is going to take place."
Lincolnshire Police 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.
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.”
In a statement on Wednesday (January 17), Lincolnshire Police also confirmed it had made a referral to the IOPC (The Independent Office for Police Conduct).
It 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.”
Lucy Devine