Lincolnshire Safeguarding Partnership to hold six month in-depth review into tragic Bronson Battersby case

Council chiefs will now carry out a six-month review into the tragic death of two year-old Bronson Battersby.

Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership has decided to do an in-depth independent review into the case of Bronson, whose body was found next to his father’s Kenneth at their Skegness home in January.

Social workers say they contacted the police force on two separate occasions in a bid to get access to the family’s home while Lincolnshire Police – which has separately referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct – said it did respond. The two reviews will now aim to get to the bottom of what actually happened.

The Sun had previously reported that Bronson and Kenneth were last seen alive on Boxing Day and that an initial post mortem revealed that the youngster had died of dehydration and starvation. The 60-year-old is thought to have suffered a fatal heart attack.

The decision for deeper look into the case – which is supported by Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel and follows a rapid review – will involve safeguarding partners from Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police and health sector organisations.

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This review will consider whether any steps could be taken to better safeguard and promote the welfare of children and prevent or reduce the risk of similar incidents in future.

Chris Cook, independent chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: “Keeping children safe is a priority for all local agencies, and it’s important we take time to explore fully the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and identify any potential improvements we could make.

“To that end, we will be commissioning an independent author to make a detailed analysis of the work of local safeguarding partners. The family will also be given an opportunity to contribute to this process.

“We expect the review to take around six months to complete, and the report will be published, although we will not be able to share it until any other related investigations, such as the potential inquest, are closed.

“Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.”

What do you think? Are you satisfied with the response of our authorities to these cases? Let us know in the comments below...