Disturbing images have laid bare the horrifying squalor inside a property – now known locally as the flat from hell – after it was left abandoned following the arrest of a woman on suspicion of child neglect.
Shocking scenes from inside the filthy property near Faversham, Kent show soiled mattresses, walls smeared with faeces and heaps of rotting rubbish, sparking health fears among neighbours who say the stench has become unbearable.
The horror discovery was made after residents feared someone had died inside the reeking flat, which has remained unsecured and festering for nearly four months.
Police were called to the scene on January 5 over concerns for the occupants but by the time officers arrived, the tenant had already fled.
Later that day, a 26-year-old woman was arrested outside of Kent on suspicion of child neglect and animal cruelty.
She has since been conditionally bailed to return to the police station on July 4. But for furious neighbours, the ordeal is far from over.
The photos reveal sickening scenes of food wrappers strewn across floors, toys tangled among piles of filth, and a childs doll lying abandoned on a stained mattress, surrounded by empty snack packets and a broken bed frame.
Disturbing images have laid bare the horrifying squalor inside a property – now known locally as the flat from hell – after it was left abandoned following the arrest of a woman on suspicion of child neglect
Shocking scenes from inside the filthy property near Faversham, Kent show soiled mattresses, walls smeared with faeces and heaps of rotting rubbish, sparking health fears among neighbours who say the stench has become unbearable
The horror discovery was made after residents feared someone had died inside the reeking flat, which has remained unsecured and festering for nearly four months
One horrified local, who asked not to be named, told KentOnline: Its horrible – I cant even put it into words. The smell was so bad that we thought someone had died up there. Thats why we called the police.
We are all incredibly upset that we have to deal with this. I smell it every single day. It makes me feel sick.
The fact that children were living there is horrific. The flies are absolutely everywhere. Its unbearable.
Neighbours say the tenant vacated the flat at the end of December 2024, yet no steps have been taken to clean or even secure the property – leaving them exposed to what they believe is a serious health hazard.
The building is managed by housing association Mears Living, but residents claim their repeated complaints since January have been ignored.
Police were called to the scene on January 5 over concerns for the occupants but by the time officers arrived, the tenant had already fled
Later that day, a 26-year-old woman was arrested outside of Kent on suspicion of child neglect and animal cruelty
The photos reveal sickening scenes of food wrappers strewn across floors, toys tangled among piles of filth, and a childs doll lying abandoned on a stained mattress, surrounded by empty snack packets and a broken bed frame
When contacted, a spokesperson for Mears Living said: Were aware of the issues and work to clear and clean the property will start next week.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Mears Living said: Were aware of the issues and work to clear and clean the property will start next week.
But desperate locals say that is too little, too late.
I dont want to live here anymore, the same neighbour said.
The smell, the flies, the health risks – its like were being completely ignored. It feels like no one cares.
Its been nearly four months and still nothing. Its a nightmare.
But its not just about the mess, its about being ignored. Its about having to fight for basic decency. No one should have to live like this.
The fact children were living in this makes me feel sick to my stomach.