Horror as toddler from Skegness is 'left to die' of starvation next to dead father

Bronson Battersby’s body was reportedly found in his pyjamas with the body of his 60-year-old father, Kenneth, in their home in Skegness on January 9 – 14 days after they were last seen. Only Kenneth’s pet dog Skylar was found alive in the home.

It is alleged Bronson, who was under Lincolnshire County Council children’s services care, had been left in the dark with no food or water, unable to get help.

Bronson was under Lincolshire County Council children’s services care and, according to The Sun newspaper, social workers had visited the rented property on January 2 and again two days later, getting no answer. They then informed the police.

Lincolnshire Police, who have referred themselves to the IOPC police watchdog, told Lincolnshire World: “Police were made aware of the deaths of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Prince Alfred Avenue, Skegness, at around 3.25pm on Tuesday, 9 January.

“Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

“The matter has been passed to the coroner’s office.”

The toddler’s mum Sarah Piesse, 43, has blamed Social Services for not trying hard enough to make contact.

She told The Sun: “If social services had done their job Bronson would still be alive. But they didn’t do anything.

“I can’t believe it.

“They can’t let them get away with this.

“We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”

She said she last saw Bronson before Christmas after rowing with her ex. She told The Sun: “I’ve had the results of the post mortem.

“Bronson starved to death because his dad died.

“They think Kenneth died no earlier than December 29.

“It means if the social worker had pushed to get in when she got no reply on January 2 then Bronson would still have been alive.”

Lincolnshire County Council are carrying out a rapid review of the case to better understand the circumstances and are awaiting the results of the coroner’s investigations.

MP for Boston and Skegness Matt Warman commented: “The tragic news of the death of Bronson Battersby in Skegness has shocked the nation. 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 heart attack, should make everyone consider what could have been done differently.

“Lincolnshire County Council has launched a rapid review into social services’ performance and the police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 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.

“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.”

"If any constituent would like to get in touch, please do email me at [email protected]”