Bronson Battersby found lifeless beside father, Kenneth, as social services’ alleged inaction comes under scrutiny

In a devastating turn of events, two-year-old Bronson Battersby was discovered lifeless, curled up next to his deceased father, Kenneth, in their Skegness flat. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded on January 9, revealing a harrowing tale of a toddler yearning for affection and a struggling father reaching out for help.

Neighbours and the landlady of the grim basement flat were left deeply distressed and numbed by the discovery. Bronson’s mother, Sarah Piesse, had last seen him alive just before Christmas, making the subsequent weeks leading to his death all the more tragic.

Believed to have succumbed to starvation and dehydration, Bronson’s vulnerable state went unnoticed, despite weekly checks by social services. The grim scene included the emaciated family pet, Skylar, a boxer dog, who miraculously survived.

The grim revelation occurred after concerned social services attempted to reach the father-son duo multiple times, prompting a joint effort by a social worker and the landlady on January 9. Lincolnshire County Council confirmed the discovery, expressing devastation at the grim outcome.

Amanda Tovey, residing in the flat above, disclosed Ken’s plea for help, emphasizing the father’s struggle to cope. Tovey revealed Ken’s efforts to be a good father, yet acknowledged his challenges, including a perceived drinking problem and struggles with the responsibilities of sole custody.

“He just wanted to be loved and cuddled,” Tovey shared, underlining the poignant moments she witnessed between father and son. Despite social services’ awareness of Ken’s difficulties, Tovey claimed their response was inadequate.

The tragic timeline leading to the discovery involved a social worker’s initial alarm on January 2, subsequent attempts to contact Kenneth, and a week later, the use of the landlady’s key for entry. It was then that the lifeless bodies of Ken and Bronson were uncovered.

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police ruled out suspicion surrounding the deaths, passing the case to the coroner’s office. Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct received a referral and is assessing further actions.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, expressed condolences and announced a comprehensive review of the case in collaboration with partner agencies.

As the community grapples with the sorrowful loss, questions linger about the alleged inadequacies in the support system that may have contributed to this heartbreaking tragedy.