Greek police discovered what authorities described as extremely poor living conditions inside an apartment in the Athens suburb of Agioi Anargyroi, where a family with three young children had been residing.

Officers from the DIAS motorcycle police unit entered the home following a complaint and reportedly found rooms filled with garbage, dirt and signs of severe neglect. Mattresses were placed directly on the floor without sheets, while the overall condition of the apartment was described as unhygienic.

According to reports, the kitchen was in the worst condition, with large accumulations of trash and unwashed dishes creating what officials described as a scene of complete abandonment.

The children’s parents, aged 36 and 31, were arrested on charges related to child neglect and were brought before a prosecutor for questioning. Authorities have not disclosed what led the family to live under such conditions.

The couple’s three children, aged 7, 5 and 3, were taken to the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital for medical examinations to assess their health condition.

Social services are expected to determine the children’s future care arrangements, while the possibility of transferring them to a child protection facility remains under consideration.

In comments reported by local media, the children’s grandfather defended the family, arguing that poverty and financial hardship contributed to the situation. He said the parents had struggled after losing a state benefit and insisted the children were cared for and not abused.

“They need help, not prison,” he reportedly said.