Father and two-year-old son found dead at house in Skegness

• Report by Amelia Beckett

Police and social services are carrying out inquiries after a father and his two-year-old son were found dead at a house in Lincolnshire.

The pair - identified as Kenneth Battersby, 60, and his son Bronson - were found at a house in Prince Alfred Avenue, in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on 9 January.

It is believed Mr Battersby died of a heart attack, while Bronson is thought to have died from starvation and dehydration following the death of his father.A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious after the force conducted its own investigation.They said: “The exact actions of organisations involved will be analysed in a forthcoming review and at this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.

"As part of standard procedures we have referred this to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) as a result of a death or serious injury following police involvement.”

Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed that Bronson was known to children's services, and that a social worker had been in touch with Mr Battersby on 27 December to arrange a visit for 2 January.

There was no response when the social worker arrived for the visit, so other enquiries were made about Bronson's whereabouts and the police were contacted.

A follow-up visit was then made on 4 January, still with no response, and the police were again contacted.

On 9 January, the social worker was given access by the landlord, where the bodies of Kenneth and Bronson were found.

The council said it was carrying out a "rapid review" of the case, which it says is the standard process following an incident of this nature.

The social worker involved has not been suspended but has taken time off following the "traumatic" experience.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.

"We are currently carrying out a review of the case alongside partner agencies to better understand the circumstances, and we await the results of the coroner’s investigations as well.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.” 

The incident was also mentioned at the beginning of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons today by the leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer.

He said: "I can't let today pass without saying how saddened I was by the tragic death of Bronson Battersby, aged just two, who died in heartbreaking circumstances in Skegness.

"I know this house will join me in sending our deepest sympathies to his family."

Matt Warman, the member of parliament for Boston and Skegness, has also made a statement about the pair's deaths.

"The tragic news of the death of Bronson Battersby in Skegness has shocked the nation," he said.

"No child, not least one already known to the authorities, should die as he did in this country in 2024.

"My thoughts are with his mother and his family at what I can only imagine is an impossibly difficult time.

"It appears that social services and the police were involved, but Bronson’s death, following his father Kenneth’s [believed] heart attack, should make everyone consider what could have been done differently," said Mr Warman.

"I know the social workers and officers involved will be deeply traumatised by what has happened after they repeatedly tried to make contact with Bronson and Kenneth.

"Skegness is a place of immense community spirit, and I know how saddened many local people will be.

"I share that sadness, and have urged all those involved to make sure their investigations are concluded as rapidly as possible."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...