A two-year-old boy starved to death next to his father’s body after social services missed the chance to save him, his devastated family said yesterday.
Bronson Battersby, pictured in Pudsey Bear pyjamas, was found curled up with heart victim Kenneth 14 days after they were last seen.
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Bronson Battersby, pictured in Pudsey Bear pyjamas, starved to death next to his father’s body after social services ‘missed the chance to save him’ Credit: Facebook
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The tragic boy, 2, pictured with his father Kenneth, who died of a heart attack shortly after Boxing DayCredit: Facebook
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Mom Sarah hugs Bronson as they smile for the camera Credit: Facebook
Bronson’s mum Sarah, 43, said: “We have to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”
A quick review has been launched in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
The couple were last seen alive on Boxing Day before Kenneth, 60, died of a heart attack shortly afterwards.
That meant Bronson, in the care of children’s services, was left in the dark with no food or water – no way to get help.
Social workers visited the rented property on January 2 and two days later, but received no response.
Police were contacted but, shockingly, it was another five days before Bronson and Kenneth’s bodies were found on January 9.
Skinny pet boxer dog Skylar survived at a house in Skegness, Lincs.
Preliminary tests showed that Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.
Yesterday mum Sarah Piesse, 43, fought back tears as she told The Sun: “If social services had done their job, Bronson would still be alive. But they did nothing.
“I can not believe it.
“I can’t let them get away with this.
“We have to be able to rely on social workers to protect our children.”
Sarah added: “I had the results of the autopsy.
“Bronson starved to death because his dad died.
“They think that Kenneth died only on December 29.
“That means if the social worker rushed in when she didn’t hear back on January 2nd, then Bronson would still be alive.”
Heartbreaking Sarah, mother of three, couldn’t hold Bronson when she went to identify him.
Crying, she said: “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile.
“I could only touch him. He was left there for too long.”
Sarah last saw Bronson before Christmas after rowing with her ex.
Bronson was last seen alive when he waved to a neighbor who was visiting the boy and his father on Boxing Day.
On December 27, Kenneth texted the neighbor: “Thank you so much for your concern, it means a lot to me and Bronson.”
That day, Bronson’s social worker texted Kenneth to arrange a routine visit.
“She knocked on the door on January 2, but left when no one answered, asked at other addresses, called the police.
Lincolnshire County Council says a social worker made an unannounced visit to the property on January 4 and when there was no response again she contacted police again.
She finally got the key from the landlord and made a grim discovery. Police and medics attended the scene, but the couple was pronounced dead.
The police then knocked on Sarah’s door and informed her of the devastating news.
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The boy, in the care of children’s services, was left in the dark without food or waterCredit: Facebook
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Flowers left outside the house in Skegness where the couple died Credit: Louis Wood
Yesterday the county council confirmed it had launched a rapid review of the events surrounding Bronson’s death.
The social worker was not suspended, although it is assumed that she voluntarily took time off.
A family friend, who had Bronson’s teddy bears and woolen gloves on her mantelpiece, said: “It breaks my heart.
“Bronson deserved so much, so much better. He was such a sweet, wonderful boy.
“They found him curled up against Kenneth’s legs. He was left in the dark and must have been terrified and so confused.
“He must have thought his dad was just sleeping or something.
“He must have been trying to wake him up. He must have screamed. I don’t know how the neighbors didn’t hear.
“Supposedly, children of that age can last three or four days without any food. It must have been torture. He was simply beautiful. He was always smiling and full of love. He always wanted a cuddle. He was like any small child. He loved anything that made noise.”
The friend said Bronson loved cartoons on the YouTube channel Cocomelon, played his Little Tykes drum constantly and loved nursery rhymes.
She added: “Social services failed that boy.
“He might still be alive now if they had done their job well.
“When does a social worker simply not accept an answer at the door of a vulnerable child? It’s a shame.
“They knew Kenny wasn’t well. They must have known there was a chance Bronson would be alone.”
The police ruled out any suspicious circumstances and forwarded the case to the coroner.
Initial autopsies reportedly ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
Unemployed Kenneth was said to be suffering from a pre-existing heart problem and had developed severe jaundice in recent months.
Social services classified Bronson as vulnerable, which meant he received weekly visits.
A friend said: “Kenneth loved Bronson more than anything. They were like two peas in a pod. He would do anything for him.
“They were everything to each other. I keep having a mental image of Bronson trying to wake up his father, alone and confused. That makes me so mad.”
A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police said: “Police were alerted to the death of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Skegness at around 3.25pm on January 9.
“Enquiries have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that an ambulance had arrived and that three of its doctors had attended.
Heather Sandy, chief executive of children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.
“We are conducting a review of the case together with partner agencies to better understand the circumstances and are also awaiting the results of the coroner’s inquest.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.”
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Bronson loved cartoons, played his Little Tykes drum incessantly and loved nursery rhymes Credits: Facebook
CALL THE MISSED COUPLE
BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Sarah sees Bronson alive for the last time — and argues with his dad.
BOXING DAY: A neighbor checks on Bronson and he waves to him from the house.
DECEMBER 27: Kenneth texts a neighbor to thank her for her concern. He is in contact with the social worker to arrange a visit on January 2.
DECEMBER 29: The earliest date Kenneth could have died.
JANUARY 2: The social worker calls, but there is no answer. The police were contacted and other property was searched.
JANUARY 4: The social worker calls again.
JANUARY 9: She and the landlord enter the house and find the bodies
JANUARY 16: The family learns the first results of the autopsy. Kenneth died of a heart attack, and Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.
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