A neighbour of Kenneth Battersby and two-year-old Bronson has spoken of the tragedy, after the bodies of the father and son were found by social services.
Bronson Battersby was found next to father Kenneth, 60, after he'd suffered from a heart attack soon after Boxing Day.
Two-year-old Bronson's family has claimed the toddler starved to death next to his dad’s dead body after social services failed to save him.
They were found in their home in Skegness, Lincolnshire, two weeks after they were last seen alive. Bronson had been left alone in the dark with no food and water for 14 days.
Neighbour of Bronson Battersby says the toddler's death is 'totally tragic'
GB News
A social worker visited the property on January 2 but received no answer after knocking. They revisited two days later but again received no response.
After both occasions, the social worker then contacted the police. It was not until January 9 that their bodies were discovered.
Heather Sandy, Executive Director of 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 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.”
Speaking to GB News, neighbour Mark Blandon said the incident is “totally tragic” but admitted the tragedy is “not out of the ordinary”.
Blandon admitted: “It's tragic that it's such a small child as well, but it's something that you kind of harden yourself to on the street here. You're expecting something to happen and you shouldn't feel like that.
“There have in recent times been an awful lot of possibly younger people living down here who have had antisocial problems and things like that. I don't think the landlords are totally in touch with what's going on.”
Bronson Battersby was found by social services after not being seen for two weeks
Lincolnshire Police have referred themselves to the IOPC and an investigation is ongoing. Lincolnshire County Council have confirmed that they are looking into the circumstances of the case with the social workers to work out what happened.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “Police were made aware of the deaths of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Skegness, at around 3.25pm on January 9.
“Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.”
“The matter has been passed to the coroner’s office.”