The death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby, whose body was discovered in a Skegness property on 9 January, has led to an investigation into whether there were “missed opportunities” to check on him and his father, Kenneth Battersby, who is believed to have died from a heart attack. Melanie Battersby, Bronson’s half-sister, has said that she does not blame social services for his death, and that they and the police “did what they could within the powers that they had.” Lincolnshire County Council has announced a “rapid review” into the circumstances of the deaths, which must be completed by 2 February and will involve the police force, relevant health organisations and the council.
Ms Battersby has said that her father, who was responsible for Bronson full-time, was in poor health and had suffered another heart attack some months before he died. A social worker had called at their property for a scheduled visit on 2 January but, after getting no response at the door, had spoken to her manager and the police. She returned to the property on 4 and 9 January, after receiving no responses during previous visits, and alerted Mr Battersby’s landlady to gain entry.
Bronson’s mother and father had been separated for about a year but had a “good co-parenting relationship”, Ms Battersby said. Bronson’s mother is thought to have been living elsewhere and they had not been speaking in recent months. Law enforcement officials are now investigating what might have happened differently that could have safeguarded Bronson.
The national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will make a decision regarding the next steps to be taken in 15 days once the rapid review has been completed. Derrick Campbell of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that the investigation of police responses to any prior welfare concerns that were raised will be considered. The investigation will also look into whether there were “missed opportunities” by the police to check on Mr Battersby and Bronson sooner
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