Images have revealed the condition of the basement flat in Skegness, Lincolnshire, where two-year-old Bronson Battersby and his father, Kenneth Battersby, were found dead earlier this month.
The discovery was made on January 9 after repeated attempts by a social worker to make contact at the property.
Bronson, aged two, was found beside his father inside the rented flat where they had been living together with their pet dog.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed they were alerted at around 3.25pm on January 9 to reports that two bodies had been found at the address.
Officers attended the scene and later confirmed that the deaths were not being treated as suspicious.
The matter has since been referred to the coroner’s office for further investigation.
According to reports shared with the family, Kenneth Battersby, 60, is believed to have died from a heart attack.
Bronson is believed to have died several days later, with post-mortem results indicating dehydration and starvation.
Photographs taken outside the property show peeling paint on the exterior walls and signs of general disrepair.
Children’s toys can be seen scattered in the small garden area near the basement entrance.
Inside, the flat has been described as cluttered and poorly maintained.
Neighbours in the seaside town have spoken of their distress following the discovery.
Many described feeling shocked that such a tragedy had unfolded behind closed doors.
Amanda Tovey, who lives in the flat above, said Kenneth had sole custody of Bronson and was raising him alone.
She described Kenneth as someone who tried to be a good father but struggled with day-to-day responsibilities.
According to Ms Tovey, social services were aware that Kenneth was finding it difficult to cope.
She said she believed more support might have helped the family.
Bronson, she recalled, was a cheerful and affectionate child.
She said he often greeted neighbours warmly and appeared eager for attention and interaction.
Kenneth and Bronson were last seen alive on Boxing Day, December 26, when the little boy waved at a neighbour.
The following day, Kenneth sent a message to a neighbour thanking them for their support.
On December 27, a social worker made contact to arrange a visit.
On January 2, the social worker arrived for the scheduled visit but received no response at the door.
She then made enquiries at other addresses and contacted police for assistance.
A second unannounced visit was made on January 4.
When there was again no answer, police were contacted once more.
It was not until January 9 that access was gained to the property.
The social worker attended with the landlady, who had a key to the flat.
Inside, they discovered the bodies of Kenneth and Bronson.
The landlady, Maria Clifton-Plaice, later told the BBC that she was heartbroken by what she had seen.
She described the day as one of the worst of her life.
Ms Clifton-Plaice said she believed Bronson had recently come to stay with his father more regularly.
She described the child as someone who appeared to bring joy to Kenneth’s life.
Lincolnshire County Council confirmed that a review is being carried out to understand the circumstances.
Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said the council was devastated by the incident.
She said partner agencies were working together to examine what had happened.
Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman described the deaths as a tragedy.
He said it appeared that contact had been made by social services but that questions remained about whether the potential seriousness of the situation had been fully understood.
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed they had received a referral from Lincolnshire Police.
They are currently assessing what further action, if any, is required.
Lincolnshire Police reiterated that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
They said investigations had been carried out and the case passed to the coroner.
The family’s pet boxer dog, Skylar, was found alive inside the flat.
The animal was described as severely underweight but survived.
Bronson’s mother, Sarah, was informed on January 9 and later attended to formally identify her son.
Flowers have since been placed outside the flat by members of the community.
Messages of sympathy and remembrance have been left near the entrance.
The timeline of events has become central to understanding how the situation unfolded.
Between December 27 and January 9, attempts were made to make contact, but entry could not lawfully be forced without sufficient grounds.
A Lincolnshire County Council spokesperson said it would have been unlawful for the social worker to enter without permission or police authority.
The council said it is cooperating fully with all reviews and investigations.
For residents of Skegness, the news has prompted reflection on support systems and how vulnerable families are monitored.
The flat itself, located below street level, has become a focal point for those trying to comprehend the loss.
Its worn exterior now stands as a reminder of the lives once lived inside.
Bronson Battersby was two years old.
His death, alongside that of his father Kenneth Battersby, has left a community searching for answers while official investigations continue.
