Police watchdog issues update on toddler Bronson Battersby found dead next to dad's body
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into the involvement of Lincolnshire Police in the events leading up to the discover of the body of two-year-old Bronson Battersby.
The toddler was tragically found to have died of dehydration, having been found dead along with his father in Skegness on 9 January.
An inquest heard that Bronson had been living with his father Kenneth when police had been called by a 'concerned neighbour' who said they hadn't seen any sign of life from Kenneth Battersby's flat and had noticed a strange smell.
Authorities managed to get into Kenneth's flat and found the man dead on his living room floor, with his two-year-old son also dead along with him.
Advert
Kenneth was believed to have suffered a heart attack at his home, leaving two-year-old Bronson with nobody to care for him.
A social worker who had spoken to Kenneth on 27 December, 2023 had visited the flat on 2 January but received no response when they knocked on the door.
They had 'made inquiries at other addresses where the child could be' and contacted the police, while they also visited the flat again on 4 January and once again contacted the police.
Following the discovery of the bodies of Bronson and his father the IOPC began an investigation after a referral by Lincolnshire Police.
In a statement they said they've reviewed all of the calls and contacts made between 2 January and the discovery of the two bodies.
In an update the police watchdog said they'd not found any indication that a police officer or member of staff had breached professional standards.
Regional Director for the IOPC, Derrick Campbell, said: "This is a harrowing case, and our sympathies go out to everyone affected by the sad deaths of Bronson and Kenneth.
"It was appropriate we carried out a thorough investigation into the relevant contact between police and social services.
"At the end of our six-month investigation, we have concluded that there was no indication any Lincolnshire Police officer or member of staff may have breached police professional standards."
Bronson's sister had previously said she didn't blame social services or the police, but welcomed inquests into the toddler's death.
She said: "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.
"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."
An inquest into Bronson Battersby's death has been adjourned until 10 December.
Topics: UK News
Joe Harker