In a tragic incident in Skegness, Lincolnshire, a two-year-old boy named Bronson Battersby was found dead next to his father, Kenneth, after social services reportedly missed critical opportunities to save them, according to a report by The Sun.
This heart-wrenching story exposes the dire consequences of apparent negligence in the system and the devastating impact it had on a vulnerable child.
Unfolding the Tragedy
On Boxing Day, Bronson and Kenneth were last seen alive. Tragically, Kenneth, aged 60, suffered a fatal heart attack soon after. This left Bronson, under the care of children’s services, alone and helpless without food or water.
Social workers visited the rented property on January 2 and again two days later, receiving no response. Shockingly, there was another five-day gap before their lifeless bodies were discovered on January 9. During this time, Bronson was left in a state of deprivation, unable to seek help.
Bronson’s emaciated body was found curled up with Kenneth, emphasizing the severity of the neglect. Preliminary tests indicated that Bronson died of dehydration and starvation. The family claims that timely intervention by social services could have saved his life.
Mother’s Anguish
Sarah Piesse, Bronson’s mother, expressed her devastation, stating that social services should have done more to protect her son. The post-mortem results revealed that Bronson starved to death following his father’s demise.
Social workers visited the property on January 2 and 4, making inquiries and contacting the police. However, their actions seemed insufficient, given the tragic outcome. The gap between visits and the delayed response to the lack of answer raise questions about the effectiveness of the intervention.
Lincolnshire County Council has initiated a rapid review into the events surrounding Bronson’s death. The social worker involved has not been suspended but has reportedly taken voluntary time off.
Community Outrage
Family and friends express their outrage, asserting that Bronson deserved better. The community, shocked by the negligence, questions the acceptance of no answer on the door of a vulnerable child. They insist that social services let Bronson down, and he might still be alive if proper procedures were followed.
The police have ruled out suspicious circumstances, and the case has been handed over to the coroner. Initial post-mortem examinations have eliminated carbon monoxide poisoning. Kenneth’s pre-existing heart condition and severe jaundice may have contributed to his demise.