A HEALTH visitor found five children aged under 13 home alone in a Blackburn house – including a three-month-old baby.

The worker called police after visiting the home.

After kicking their way into the house, officers took the children into police protection, as well as three more children, who were taken out of school a short time later.

Four of the five children found in the house were taken to hospital for check-ups, and their father was arrested on suspicion of neglect after returning to the property.

Their mother was out of the country and the eldest child in the house was 12, police said. The eight children, all believed to be siblings, were aged between three months and 13, a spokesman said.

He added: “We had to kick the door down to gain entry. The house was not clean. It was dirty.

“We had enough concerns to take the children because of the condition of the house and the children themselves.

“We contacted social services who took care of the children.”

The children, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were placed in emergency care by social workers at Blackburn with Darwen Council, and a joint investigation was launched by police and social services.

The health worker visited the home at 11am on Tuesday.

Paul Lee, head of safeguarding at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I can confirm we were alerted by police to an alleged case of child neglect. We have taken appropriate action to make sure the children are protected but we cannot give any further information or detail.”

The father was interviewed and bailed until December 4 while police carry out further enquiries.

Blackburn with Darwen Council provides advice on child protection enquiries and investigates where there is reason to be concerned that a child is at risk.

Social workers can be contacted by calling 01254 666400 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or 01254 587547 out-of-hours.