Lincolnshire Police has issued a statement following the tragic death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby, found dehydrated and starved alongside his deceased father, Kenneth Battersby. The 60-year-old is believed to have suffered a heart attack in their Skegness flat, leaving the toddler alone for two weeks. The child, under the care of children’s services, raised concerns about the actions of social services and the police. A social worker attempted a visit on January 2, followed by an unannounced one on January 4, both yielding no response.

The police were contacted, leading to the grim discovery on January 9. Lincolnshire Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for an independent investigation, emphasizing that they responded to the information provided. Lincolnshire County Council initiated a ‘rapid review’ of involved agencies, with the cause of the deaths under the coroner’s investigation. Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham assured the public that they take necessary and appropriate action in response to child welfare concerns.

She added that the full circumstances are subject to review, determining lessons for any agency to learn. The force awaits the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s independent investigation results. Lincolnshire County Council is conducting a review of various agencies involved in the area. Heather Sandy, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, expressed condolences and mentioned the ongoing review of the case.