Boy, 10, called 'It' by mum was on brink of death was before he and sister rescued after years of abuse

Two young children were neglected and physically and emotionally abused for a 'significant period of time' before they were rescued by police and taken to hospital.

The boy, 10, and his sister, nine, were found in 'poor conditions' during a visit to their home in Bradford, YorkshireLive reports. Officers were so concerned by the health of the boy they used their powers of protection and took him to hospital.

He became more unwell during the trip to hospital and was found to be severely dehydrated and malnourished, constantly vomiting, and with a "terrified look on his face," according to a Bradford child safeguarding practice review.

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The boy, referred to as Child B, could have died had he not been taken to hospital. He also had large bruises on his legs and could not remember how he got them.

The boy was found to have a severe oesophageal stricture (where the food pipe narrows and makes swallowing hard). His parents should have been aware of his problems and sought medical help much earlier, the report concluded. The condition was described as rare and undiagnosed which was only discovered in hospital after tests and examinations.

Since their removal from their parents, both children have made allegations of physical and emotional harm against their parents. A criminal investigation by West Yorkshire Police is understood to be ongoing.

The report's author noted that concerns about the children had been raised several times over a period of time but the response by the authorities had not been sufficiently robust.

The children were rescued from home by police and taken to hospital in July 2022. The first of six referrals to children's services had been