Sister of toddler found starved to death next to dad says she finds comfort in how they looked when found

Bronson, just two years old, was discovered dehydrated and starved to death next to the body of his father, Kenneth, on January 9. Kenneth, aged 60, is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his flat in Skegness, Lincolnshire, sometime after Boxing Day.

Nobody checked up on the child, and he sadly died. (Facebook/Sarah Louise Piesse)

Left alone in the dark, Bronson had no access to food or water for two weeks. Preliminary tests confirmed that the toddler died from dehydration and starvation.

The toddler died of dehydration. (Facebook/Sarah Louise Piesse)

“I was told they were both found looking very peaceful,” Bronson’s sister shared with BBC Breakfast. “That is the only consolation I can take. My little brother snuggled up to my dad. Neither of them looked in pain. And they were together.”

The toddler died of dehydration. (Facebook/Sarah Louise Piesse)

The 37-year-old emphasized that she does not blame social services, acknowledging that authorities had attempted to reach Kenneth in the days prior to their discovery.

Facebook / Sarah Louise Piesse

“I don’t place any blame on them. I believe social services and the police did what they could within their powers and with the information they had,” she said. “I’m glad an inquiry will take place to see if there were any failings or missed opportunities.”

Lincolnshire Police confirmed that a social worker from Lincolnshire County Council had contacted them after failing to get a response at Kenneth’s home. The social worker had last communicated with Mr. Battersby on December 27 and arranged a visit for January 2. When repeated attempts to reach him failed, the police were again contacted.

On January 9, the social worker was let into the property by the landlord, where they found Mr. Battersby and his son dead. Lincolnshire County Council has since launched a ‘rapid review’ of various agencies in the area to understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, expressed sympathy for the family: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time. We are currently reviewing the case alongside partner agencies and await the results of the coroner’s investigations.”

Nobody checked up on the child, and he sadly died. (Facebook/Sarah Louise Piesse)

Lincolnshire Police also referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as part of standard procedures following a death or serious injury after police involvement.

Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham addressed the public’s concerns: “The full circumstances involved are now under review, which will determine if there are lessons for any agency to learn. We responded to information supplied to us, and for transparency, we have referred the case to the IOPC.”

She reassured the community that the police take necessary and appropriate action when they receive calls regarding children’s safety. “Any speculation about the actions of any agencies at this stage is premature, though I understand why our communities want answers. I want to reassure the public that we take necessary and appropriate action to ensure children’s safety based on the best information and intelligence available.”