The police watchdog IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) announced on Thursday an investigation into whether officers missed opportunities to intervene in the case. The local council had previously also initiated an investigation. A social worker reported to the police twice after the door was not opened to her on January 2nd and 4th despite an appointment with her father.
When no one responded again on January 9th, the landlady let the woman into the house and found the bodies of the 60-year-old and his small son there. The two were alone at home when their father died of a heart attack, family services director Heather Sandy told BBC Radio 4. “That meant no one could look after Bronson and that’s why, unfortunately, Bronson died too “Sandy said.
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IOPC regional chief Derrick Campbell said the shocking circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two victims were shocking. “It is appropriate that we conduct an independent inquiry to examine the police response to any welfare concerns previously raised.” Police Secretary Chris Philp told the BBC the investigation should get to the bottom of “this truly heartbreaking tragedy”. “We all want quick answers to what happened,” Philp said.
