Residents of Skegness have spoken of the tragic losses of Kenneth and Bronson Battersby after the bodies of the father and son were found by social services.
Two-year-old Bronson was found curled up next to his father Kenneth, 60, who is believed to have suffered from a heart attack soon after Boxing Day.
Bronson's family has claimed the toddler starved to death next to his dad’s dead body.
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.
Two-year-old Bronson was found with his father on January 9
A social worker visited their home 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 contacted the police. It was not until January 9 that their bodies were discovered.
Speaking to GB News reporter Will Hollis, residents of the area have paid tribute to the father and son, and shared their thoughts on the horrific incident.
People in Lincolnshire reflected on the "unfortunate" circumstances of which toddler Bronson lost his life.
One resident, Neil Wright, told GB News: "It's an unfortunate set of circumstances. The social worker went and tried to get in there as much as she could, but they haven't got the right to break in.
"So I think she did the best that she could in the circumstances. It is tragic, but it's just unfortunate."
Samantha Bristow disagreed, claiming: "Somebody should have perhaps broken down the door. Where were the neighbours? Where were the rest of the family? I don't think it is just down to social services or the police.
"Everybody's got to do their bit. I think that's a sad testament of today's society. Years and years ago, people would always look out for their neighbours. Community isn't such a special thing anymore."
A third Skegness local, James Orrey, told GB News: "Looking after vulnerable people is the most important thing really.
"And the police obviously are really stretched because they have no staff, same with social services, they're very overstretched, but they focus on silly things."
One Lincolnshire resident claimed people should have 'broken down the door' to access the Battersbys
GB News
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."
In a statement, the Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC) regional director Derrick Campbell said: "The harrowing circumstances in which Kenneth and Bronson Battersby died are truly shocking. Our sympathies go out to everyone affected by their sad deaths.
"It is appropriate we carry out an independent investigation to consider the police response to any prior welfare concerns that were raised. We will be examining whether there were any missed opportunities by police to check on Mr Battersby and Bronson sooner.
"We will be in contact with Bronson's mother and Mr Battersby's family in due course to explain our role and how our investigation will progress."