Cause of death revealed for Bronson Battersby, 2-year-old boy found dead next to his father’s body

Lincolnshire Police previously told PEOPLE that the 2-year-old boy and his father, Kenneth Battersby, 60, were found dead in a home on January 9.

The cause of death of Bronson Battersby, the two-year-old boy who was found dead next to his father in January, has been revealed.

At a hearing at Greater Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday, June 6, it was revealed that a post mortem examination found Bronson died of dehydration, according to The GuardianSky News and The telegraph.

The child “also appeared to be suffering from malnutrition,” according to The Guardian and Sky News.

Lincolnshire Police previously told PEOPLE that the boy and his 60-year-old father, Kenneth Battersby, were found dead side by side on January 9 at a home on Prince Alfred Avenue in the town of Skegness.

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A social worker, who was not legally allowed to force entry into the property, was scheduled to meet with the father and son on January 2 but was unable to contact them, according to a previous statement obtained by PEOPLE from Lincolnshire County Council.

They attempted an unannounced visit two days later and contacted police after once again failing to reach them.

On January 9, the social worker gained access to the apartment, which is when their bodies were found.

Authorities said at the time that initial findings indicated the boy’s father died of a heart attack.

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Bronson lived in a basement apartment with his father, who had separated from the child’s mother, The Guardian and Sky News reported that the father said he was “struggling to cope” with the child’s life before their deaths.

Kenneth’s body was found on the floor near the living room door, according to The telegraph. A malnourished dog was also found in the apartment, according toThe Guardian.

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Now, a six-month independent review into the two deaths will be conducted, according to The telegraph.

“It is important that we take the time to fully explore the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and identify potential improvements we could make,” said Chris Cook, independent chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Contacted Thursday, June 6, police said they had no further information to share due to the ongoing investigation. PEOPLE also contacted Greater Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court.

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