What started as a concerned neighbor’s phone call ended with criminal charges after authorities say two vulnerable children were discovered living alone in a Flint Township home under hazardous conditions.

Flint Township police officers went to the residence earlier this week to check on the welfare of the children after receiving a report from someone nearby. When officers entered the house, they encountered what they described as severe neglect.

Investigators said garbage covered much of the flooring and that feces had been smeared along interior walls at a level consistent with a child’s height. A sink faucet had reportedly been left running, allowing water to pool onto the floor.

Police said the two children, both identified as having special needs, were found in separate areas of the house. According to authorities, one child was attempting to eat raw, spoiled meat, while the other was discovered lying on the floor in a bedroom. Officers determined the children had been alone for several days and had no apparent ability to contact anyone outside the home.

Following the investigation, the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office authorized multiple felony charges against the children’s 35-year-old mother on Friday, Feb. 20. The charges include two counts of child abandonment, two counts of second-degree child abuse, two additional counts of second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child, and one count of providing false information to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation.

Details of the case were shared publicly by the Flint Township Police Department as the investigation continues.