Bronson Battersby: Independent review confirmed

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

An in-depth, independent review into the death of a two-year-old boy and his dad will be held by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Bronson Battersby was found in a house in Skegness with his 60-year-old father, Kenneth Battersby on 9 January.

A full review involving the county council, Lincolnshire Police and health organisations will now take place.

It will look at safeguarding improvements and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Chris Cook, independent chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: "It's important we take time to explore fully the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and identify any potential improvements we could make."

A rapid review was launched following the discovery of their bodies at a property in Prince Alfred Avenue earlier this year.

At the time, it was revealed the family was known to children's services and the local authority confirmed a social worker "had contact" with Mr Battersby on 27 December and had arranged a home visit for 2 January.

But when that appointment was missed the police were contacted, the social worker also tried to make contact on 4 January and followed it up again five days later.

Mr Cook said the latest review is expected to take up to six months to complete but a report will not be made public until "any other related investigations, such as the potential inquest, are closed".

He added: "Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time."

Timeline

• 27 December 2023 - A social worker "has contact" with Mr Battersby and a home visit is arranged.

• 2 January 2024 - 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.

• 20 February Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership announces an in-depth independent review supported by the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police