Speculation over Bronson Battersby death 'unhelpful'

Bronson Battersby is believed to have died from starvation after his father suffered a heart attack

Speculation over the deaths of a toddler and his father in Skegness is "unhelpful", Lincolnshire's police and crime commissioner has said.

Bronson Battersby, two, was found in the house in Skegness with 60-year-old Kenneth Battersby on 9 January.

It is believed Bronson starved to death after his dad had a heart attack.

Speaking to BBC Politics North, Marc Jones said the fact that the matter was being investigated did not mean any "wrongdoing" had taken place.

A "rapid review" into the involvement of social services is being carried out by Lincolnshire County Council and the police watchdog is investigating whether there were "missed opportunities" to check on Bronson and his father.

Mr Jones said his heart went out to anyone who had been affected by what happened.

"It is just an incredibly difficult story to hear," he said.

However, Mr Jones said: "It's absolutely right that such tragic incidents are looked into thoroughly, and we are going to see that with the review and the investigation.

"The fact that they have happened does not mean any wrongdoing.

"We need to bear that in mind - so speculation is unhelpful at this point."

Emergency services found the bodies at a property in Prince Alfred Avenue on 9 January

Asked about whether he believed there were missed opportunities, he replied: "What I do know is all the agencies involved take child protection exceedingly seriously, in this case and in every other case.

"We can't speculate on whether anything went wrong that could have been prevented."

He said police would follow the law with regard to entering a property and there were certain circumstances where this would be appropriate.

However, he added: "As we've heard [in this case] entry was gained by a social worker using a key.

"I don't think we should speculate about whether forced entry would have been the right route."

On the subject of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, he said: "You would hope they would treat this with some expediency, but nevertheless they need to do a proper and thorough job."

Previously, Lincolnshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: "What I would like to make clear is that we did respond to information supplied to us, but for reasons of transparency we have also referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

"This is standard procedure and they will be undertaking their own independent investigation.

"Any speculation around the exact actions of any agencies involved at this stage is premature, though I do understand why our communities want answers as soon as possible."

Timeline

• 27 December: A social worker "has contact" with Mr Battersby and a home visit is arranged.

• 2 January: The social worker arrives at the property but there is no response at the door. She tries to locate Bronson at other addresses and, unable to find him, speaks to her manager and the police.

• 4 January: A second attempt at a home visit is made. Again, there is no response. The social worker informs police.

• 9 January: A third attempt is made and the social worker alerts Mr Battersby's landlady. Entry is gained and the bodies of both father and son are found.

• 15 January: Lincolnshire County Council notifies the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel of a serious incident that meets the criteria for rapid review.

• 17 January: Lincolnshire County Council confirms a review is under way and Lincolnshire Police says it has referred itself to the IOPC.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police