Bronson Battersby cops WILL be probed by police watchdog over ‘any missed opportunities’ that could have avoided tragedy
THE POLICE watchdog will probe "any missed opportunities" that could have prevented the death of Bronson Battersby.
The two-year-old starved to death next to his dad's body at a property in Skegness, Lincolnshire, before they were found on January 9.
Bronson was found curled up with dad Kenneth, who is understood to have suffered a heart attack.
They had last been seen alive on Boxing Day before the 60-year-old died soon after, leaving Bronson to fend for himself in the dark without food or water.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today confirmed it has launched an investigation into the two deaths.
Regional Director for the IOPC, Derrick Campbell, said: "The harrowing circumstances in which Kenneth and Bronson Battersby died are truly shocking.
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"Our sympathies go out to everyone affected by their sad deaths.
"It is appropriate we carry out an independent investigation to consider the police response to any prior welfare concerns that were raised. We will be examining whether there were any missed opportunities by police to check on Mr Battersby and Bronson sooner.
“We will be in contact with Bronson’s mother and Mr Battersby’s family in due course to explain our role and how our investigation will progress."
Lincolnshire Police was contacted on two separate occasions by a Lincolnshire County Council social worker, who got no answer when they tried knocking on the door of the home to see them.
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Meanwhile, the council has also pledged to conduct a "rapid review" of the deaths.
Preliminary tests found Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.
He had been classified as vulnerable by social services, which meant he received weekly visits.
When social workers visited Kenneth's rented property on January 2, but nobody answered the door.
They tried again two days later and, after again getting no answer, then contacted the police.
There was then a five-day gap before Bronson and Kenneth's bodies were discovered on January 9.
Timeline of events leading to Bronson's death
December 25 - Sarah says the two-year-old and his father have a "big Christmas dinner together" with chicken as Bronson doesn't like Turkey.
26 December 26 - Neighbour says they had last seen Bronson and Kenneth on their way into Skegness shops.
December 27 - The same neighbour reportedly sent a text message to Kenneth and received a reply.
January 1 - The neighbour sent another message to Kenneth wishing him a happy New Year but received no response.
January 2 - A social worker visited the house as planned but received no answer. She contacted the police and checked other houses for Bronson.
January 4 - The social worker went back into the home but was met with no response again and called the police again.
January 9 - Landlord Maria Clifton-Plaice gave the social worker access to the property, where they discovered the bodies. They alerted police around 3.25pm.
