Bronson Battersby’s older sister has said she thinks social services “did what they could” in the toddler's tragic case.
The two-year-old is believed to have died of starvation after his father Kenneth, 60, suffered a fatal heart attack around New Year.
Their bodies were discovered, with Bronson curled up next to his dad, at their home in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on January 9, when a social worker organised a key from their landlord.
She had tried to visit the pair twice before – on January 2 and 4 – and called the police both times when there was no answer.
Melanie Battersby, 37, told the BBC: “I don't place any blame at all on them...I believe that social services and the police did what they could within the powers that they had and the information that they were given.
“It must be devastating for them to work in that profession, to have to deal with tragedies like this.”
She went on to describe her little brother as “beautiful and sweet-natured” and said the only consolation is that she “was told they were both found looking very peaceful”.
Lincolnshire County Council has begun a rapid review of the circumstances around the tragedy.
The social worker involved in the case, who would typically visit the family once a once a month, has not been suspended, but has taken time off after the “traumatic experience”.
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.”
It emerged on Thursday that heartless burglars broke into Mr Battersby’s home just hours after his body was found with his son’s.
They stole Mr Battersby’s wallet and medication, the MailOnline reported.
Bronson leaves behind a devastated family, including his mother Sarah Piesse, 43, who last saw her son in November because, after an argument with Mr Battersby, she had tried to “back off a bit and give him space”.
Ms Piesse and Mr Battersby, who also share a three-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son, had an on-off relationship after splitting up in 2019.
They decided Bronson would live with his father because Ms Piesse’s home has a high staircase with no bannister. Mr Battersby also had a “special bond” with his youngest son.
Matt Warman, Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, said the news of Bronson’s death has “shocked the nation", particularly in the seaside town where they lived.
He said the tragedy "should make everyone consider what could have been done differently", and urged those involved to conclude their investigations into Bronson’s death “as rapidly as possible”.
