I heard paramedic say ‘oh god, no’ & I knew Bronson was dead, says landlady as she relives moment she found tragic boy

THE landlady who discovered the bodies of tragic Bronson Battersby and his dad has revealed she knew the boy was dead when she heard the paramedic say “oh god, no”.

Maria Clifton-Plaice left her house immediately when two female social workers asked to check in on dad Kenny and Bronson on January 9, after they had not been seen alive since boxing day.

Kenny is believed to have died from a heart attack before two-year-old Bronson passed away days later from starvation and dehydration.

A rapid review has been launched by the council in Skegness, Lincs, and the police have referred the case to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

Speaking from her detached bungalow in Skegness, Maria wept as she told The Sun: “I would have let social services in straight away.

“The minute anyone said they were concerned for Kenny and Bronson I would have been there in a flash. There was never any question about me allowing access.

“When they [social services] called me on the 9th I left the house so fast I was still in my slippers. I only realised once I was there.”

Recalling the harrowing day, Maria added: “The social worker called and asked for the key, I said, ‘Of course.’ There were two of them there waiting for me, a younger woman and an older one.

“We went down the stairs and I opened the front room door but it was blocked by Kenny’s body.

“I ran to the bedroom to look for him, shouting his name but there was no sign so we ran out and called 999.

“A paramedic later found Bronson. I let him into the flat and took him to the front room. I heard him say, ‘Oh god no.’ And I knew Bronson was dead.”

Kenny – who is said to have had a known heart condition – had been caring for Bronson for around six months after the ex-partner Sarah agreed on the arrangement because her new flat had a high staircase without a banister which was unsafe for the tot.

Bronson – as well as Kenny and Sarah’s other two children – are under the care of children’s services and regular visits to the kids were carried out.

Maria continued: “Everyone in the block knows me and it is very easy to get my details.

“I met the social workers around the back of Kenny’s flat. Never in a million years did I think we would find them like that.

“Kenny had told me he was going to Sheffield with Bronson so I thought they would be there and that is why social services hadn’t been able to get hold of them.

“It is true that Kenny’s health had been suffering in recent months.

“He had lost weight and seemed to be unwell. He was staying in his flat more and more.

“He had a problem with a female neighbour and there was a lot going on for him to deal with.”

One visit to see Bronson and Kenny had been set for January 2nd but the social worker was unable to raise the pair.

A second visit was on January 4, but again, there was no sight of the father and son, the police are said to have been informed on both occasions.

Tragically five days then passed by the time a third visit was made and the social worker is said to have spotted the kitchen had been “ransacked.”

Maria, who considered tenant Kenny a friend after he helped her after the tragic death of her husband and daughter four-years-ago, also told how the flat where the incident took place was broken into just a day after the bodies had been removed.

She told how prescription drugs, Kenny’s wallet and cash that was believed to have been stashed into a Bisto tub, was taken after robbers forced entry through a window, Maria said: “It is just unbelievable.

“We just couldn’t believe our ears. What kind of person does this ? Everyone in the area knows what has happened.

“We are devastated about it. The police have said they are investigating but it feels like a disgusting insult to Kenny and Bronson.”