An acquaintance of the mother of the four children alerted the emergency services, asking them to intervene to help the children. The children were taken into care and are suffering psychological after-effects

On Sunday 26 May, four children aged between two and six were discovered alone in their home in Reims, with no adult present. H24 NEWS obtained this information from the public prosecutor in Reims, confirming a report by France Bleu Champagne-Ardenne.

The fire brigade, alerted by an acquaintance of the mother, arrived at the home and found the children trying to feed themselves using a hot plate on the floor. The flat was empty and dirty, with no clothes or food.

The mother returned home while the emergency services were operating and contacted her partner. When he arrived, he rebelled against the police

The mother and her partner, aged 36, were taken into custody at 8:35pm. The man was charged with rebellion and breach of judicial supervision, and the mother with removal by an ascendant from her legal obligations, compromising the health and safety of the children. Their custody was extended on Monday evening.

The man is known to the police, being under judicial supervision for domestic violence and violence against minors, of whom he is not the father. The mother is also known to the authorities for drug offences.

The Reims public prosecutor’s office has indicated that the children are not suffering from malnutrition, but that they are suffering psychological after-effects. They have been admitted to hospital for tests and are expected to be placed in care on Tuesday.