An independent review will take place into the deaths of a two-year-old boy and his father in Skegness.
The independent review into the death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby and his father, Kenneth Battersby, in Skegness is a crucial step towards understanding the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident
The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership has announced an independent review into the heartbreaking death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby and his father, Kenneth Battersby.
Bronson was found deceased alongside his father in their home in Skegness on 9th January. The review, which involves the county council, Lincolnshire Police, and health organizations, aims to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragedy and identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Bronson Battersby’s untimely death has raised concerns about the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and the need for improvements.
The family was known to children’s services, and a social worker had contact with Mr. Battersby on 27th December, arranging a home visit for 2nd January.
However, when the appointment was missed, the police were contacted, and subsequent attempts to make contact were made on 4th and 9th January.
The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, led by independent chair Chris Cook, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding Bronson and Kenneth Battersby’s deaths.
The review will focus on safeguarding improvements and measures that can prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
It is expected to take up to six months to complete, and the findings will be made public once all related investigations, including any potential inquest, are concluded.
Mr. Cook emphasized the importance of thoroughly exploring the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and identifying areas for improvement.
The review aims to provide valuable insights that can enhance the safeguarding of vulnerable children in the region.
The timeline below outlines the key events leading up to the discovery of Bronson and Kenneth Battersby’s bodies:
27th December 2023 – A social worker has contact with Mr. Battersby, and a home visit is arranged.
2nd January 2024 – The social worker attempts a home visit but receives no response. She tries to locate Bronson at other addresses but is unsuccessful. She informs her manager and the police.
4th January – A second attempt at a home visit is made, but there is still no response. The social worker contacts the police again.
9th January – A third attempt is made, and the social worker alerts Mr. Battersby’s landlady. Entry is gained, and the bodies of both father and son are discovered.
15th January – Lincolnshire County Council notifies the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel about the incident, triggering a rapid review.
17th January – Lincolnshire County Council confirms that a review is underway, and Lincolnshire Police refers itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
20th February – The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership announces an in-depth independent review supported by the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.
The tragic deaths of Bronson and Kenneth Battersby highlight the critical need to assess and enhance safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable children.
The independent review will not only investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident but also identify potential improvements that can prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The review will involve close collaboration between the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, the county council, Lincolnshire Police, and health organizations.
By examining existing protocols and procedures, the review aims to identify any gaps or shortcomings that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.