The police watchdog is to investigate whether there were “any missed opportunities” by officers before a two-year-old boy and his father were found dead at a flat in Lincolnshire.
Bronson Battersby was found starved to death alone next to his father Kenneth, who had suffered a fatal heart attack over Christmas.
The child’s body was found with his father at their home in Skegness on 9 January.
Lincolnshire Police had referred itself to the police watchdog.
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.”
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