Police have arrested two men and rescued two children from a house that “smelled like death” after reports from neighbours of a foul odour coming from the property. Officers gained access to the home in the town of Temple, Texas, and discovered two minors aged 8 and 10 sitting in a bathtub filled with dirty water.

Temple Police Department dispatched officers to the Texas home in East Young Avenue at around 7.47am on Wednesday, May 20, after neighbours reported concerns for the welfare of those living inside.

In a statement from Temple PD, the force said: “The caller advised concern for the elderly neighbour who lived there. Officers arrived, confirmed the odour, and entered the residence, locating two children and two adults inside.

“Officers observed living conditions inside the residence that were determined to be unsafe for the children. Child Protective Services and the Temple Police Department Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.”

The statement added that the two children were transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

It’s reported both had insects in their matted hair and they were wearing soiled dirty clothing which smelled of “urine” and “faeces”

Local media KWTX reports the youngsters told the police they had never been to school and that “the home was completely filled with rotting garbage on the floor and surfaces of the home”.

The Temple Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Crime Scene Investigators, Patrol, Temple Fire and Rescue, and Child Protective Services were all part of the investigation into the case.

According to Temple PD, one of the males, Michael Robbins, 34, was charged with abandoning or endangering a child with intent.

The other male found in the property, John Robbins, aged 68, was also charged by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office with abandoning or endangering a child with intent.

Both men are being held in Bell County Jail.