Bronson Battersby was 'the apple of Kenneth's eye': Last person to see father and son pays emotional tribute

Unable to fend for himself, toddler Bronson was found next to his father's body having starved to death.

Social services had attempted to enter the property on multiple occasions, but were unsuccessful. The services then contacted the police, who entered the home with landlady Maria Clifton-Plaice.

In the latest developments of the case, it was revealed that burglars had targeted the property within 24 hours of Kenneth and Bronson's bodies being found.

Clifton-Plaice told the Daily Mail that Kenneth's "wallet and pills" were taken, but no other items.

Speaking to GB News, neighbour and friend Cheree Ross paid tribute to the father and son, and revealed the last time she saw them alive.

She recalled her partner seeing Kenneth in the early morning of December 28, and they were "aware" that Kenneth had a heart condition.

Ross told GB News reporter Will Hollis: "The last time I saw the boys was Boxing Day. We were a little bit concerned because we hadn't seen him for a number of days. So I went round, we knocked on the windows, knocked on the doors and eventually got an answer.

"Little Bronson was there, waving at me from the door with a mouthful of pink wafers, bless him. We had no idea that anything like that was going to happen."

Reflecting on the relationship between Bronson and Kenneth, Ross claimed they were like the "Chuckle Brothers" and Bronson was "the apple of Kenneth's eye".

She added: "Bronson saw his dad as his best friend. And I honestly believe that Kenny saw the baby as his best friend. They were just inseparable, like two peas in a pod.

"Ross detailed the last time her partner spoke to Kenneth on December 28, whilst out walking his dog in the neighbourhood.

Ross recalled: "My partner was taking my dog out, my partner went to Kenny's door and Kenny came out and took the dog back in and that was the last that we know of him being seen."

She added that the reaction from fellow neighbours to the tragic incident has been "heartbreaking".

Ross said: "We all knew them. We all loved them, and the evening it all imploded on the street. We'll never forget, New Year will never be the same on this street again. And I can assure you that we miss him and miss his Dad so much."

Following the tragedy, the Independent Office for Police Conduct announced a probe would be launched into the deaths.

In a statement, the IOPC's 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."

Julia Debenham from Lincolnshire Police said in a statement: “The full circumstances involved are now the subject of a review and details will be examined within that, which will determine if there are lessons for any agency to learn.

"What I would like to make clear is that we did respond to information supplied to us, but for reasons of transparency we have also referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"This is standard procedure, and they will be undertaking their own independent investigation.

"Any speculation around the exact actions of any agencies involved at this stage is premature, though I do understand why our communities want answers as soon as possible."