Bronson Battersby: Watchdog issues update after Skegness toddler tragically found dead

Bronson Battersby, 2, was found in a Skegness property alongside his dad Kenneth
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its probe into the tragic deaths of two year old Bronson and his father Kenneth Battersby, which occurred in January.

The pair were discovered deceased at a flat in Skegness, triggering an IOPC investigation that same month following a referral from Lincolnshire Police, reports Lincolnshire Live.

IOPC investigators examined all relevant communications and interactions involving Lincolnshire Police, spanning from January 2 to the eventual discovery of the bodies. The IOPC has since announced there is "no indication" that any officer or staff member from Lincolnshire Police might have failed to meet professional standards.

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC's Regional Director, said: "This is a harrowing case, and our sympathies go out to everyone affected by the sad deaths of Bronson and Kenneth. It was appropriate we carried out a thorough investigation into the relevant contact between police and social services.

Campbell added: "At the end of our six-month investigation, we have concluded that there was no indication any Lincolnshire Police officer or member of staff may have breached police professional standards. We have shared our report with Lincolnshire Police and the coroner to help inform future inquest proceedings.

"We have recently met with the families involved to explain our findings. We have also advised the local child safeguarding practice review. In order not to prejudice the future inquests, we won’t be in a position to issue our full findings until they are held."

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An inquest in June established that Bronson's death was due to dehydration. The alarm was raised after a "concerned" neighbour, who had not seen Kenneth for some time, reported a foul odour emanating from his flat, it was heard.

Upon arrival, Kenneth was found deceased behind the living room door and Bronson was lifeless between his father's legs.

The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership is currently conducting a thorough, independent assessment of the case. Initiated in February, this review was anticipated to span six months.