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TRAGIC TODDLER
Horror as ‘gorgeous’ Bronson Battersby, 2, in pyjamas left to die alone next to his dead dad – why did no one save him?
Preliminary tests found Bronson died of dehydration and starvation
A BOY of two starved to death next to his dad’s body after social services missed chances to save him, his devastated family said yesterday.
Bronson Battersby, pictured in Pudsey Bear pyjamas, was found curled up with heart victim Kenneth 14 days after they were last seen.
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Bronson’s mum Sarah, 43, said: “We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”
A rapid review has been launched in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
The pair were last seen alive on Boxing Day before Kenneth, 60, died of a heart attack soon after.
It meant Bronson, under children’s services care, was left in the dark with no food or water — unable to get help.
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Social workers visited the rented property on January 2 and again two days later, getting no answer.
They contacted police but, shockingly, there was another five-day gap before Bronson and Kenneth’s bodies were found on January 9.
Emaciated pet boxer dog Skylar survived at the home in Skegness, Lincs.
Preliminary tests found Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.
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Yesterday mum Sarah Piesse, 43, fought back tears as she told The Sun: “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.
“We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”
Sarah added: “I’ve had the results of the post mortem.
“Bronson starved to death because his dad died.
“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.”
Heartbreakingly Sarah, a mum of three, was unable to hold Bronson when she went to identify him.
She wept as she said: “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile.
“I could only touch him. He had been left there too long.”
Sarah last saw Bronson before Christmas after rowing with her ex.
Bronson was last seen alive when he waved at a neighbour who called on the lad and his dad on Boxing Day.
On December 27 Kenneth messaged a neighbour to say: “Thanks so much for caring, it means the world to me and Bronson.”
That day, Bronson’s social worker texted Kenneth to arrange a routine visit.
"She knocked on the door on January 2 but left when there was no answer. She made enquiries at other addresses, and called police.
Lincolnshire County Council says the social worker made an unannounced visit to the property on January 4 and when there was again no response she contacted police again.
Finally she arranged for a key from the landlord and made the grim discovery. Police and medics raced to the scene but the pair were pronounced dead.
Sarah then received a knock at the door from police informing her of the devastating news.
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Yesterday the county council confirmed it had launched a rapid review into events surrounding Bronson’s death.
The social worker has not been suspended although is understood to have voluntarily taken time off.
A family friend, who had Bronson’s teddy and woollen gloves on her mantelpiece, said: “It breaks my heart.
"Bronson deserved so, so much better. He was such a loving, adorable little boy.
“They found him curled up at Kenneth’s legs. He was left in the dark and must have been terrified and so confused.
“He must have thought his dad was just asleep or something.
“He must have been trying to wake him up. He must have been screaming. I don’t know how the neighbours didn’t hear.
“Apparently children of that age can last three or four days without any food. It must have been torture. He was just gorgeous. He was always smiling and so loving. He always wanted a cuddle. He was like any toddler. He loved anything that made a noise.”
The friend told how Bronson loved cartoons on YouTube channel Cocomelon, played his Little Tykes drum kit constantly, and adored nursery rhymes.
She added: “Social services have let that boy down.
“He might still be alive now if they had done their jobs properly.
“When does a social worker just accept no answer on the door of a vulnerable child? It’s a disgrace.
"They knew Kenny was unwell. They must have known there was a chance Bronson could be left on his own.”
Police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances and have passed the case to the coroner.
The initial post-mortem examination is said to have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jobless Kenneth is said to have suffered from a pre-existing heart condition and had become severely jaundiced over recent months.
Social services classified Bronson as vulnerable which meant he received weekly visits.
A pal said: “Kenneth loved Bronson more than anything. They were like two peas in a pod. He would have done anything for him.
“They were everything to one another. I keep having a mental picture of Bronson trying to wake his dad up, alone and confused. It makes me so angry.”
A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police said: “Police were made aware of the deaths of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Skegness, at around 3.25pm on January 9.
“Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed an ambulance and three of its medics had attended.
Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.
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“We are 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.”
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CALLS MISSED PAIR
BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Sarah sees Bronson alive for the last time — and argues with his dad.
BOXING DAY: Neighbour checks on Bronson and he waves from inside the house.
DEC 27: Kenneth messages a neighbour to thank her for caring. He’s in contact with social worker to arrange January 2 visit.
DEC 29: Earliest date that Kenneth could have died.
JAN 2: Social worker calls but no answer. Police contacted and other properties searched.
JAN 4: Social worker calls again.
JAN 9: She and landlord get into home and find bodies
JAN 16: Family learn initial post mortem results. Kenneth died of heart attack and Bronson from dehydration and starvation.
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