London police say two people have been charged after a 10-year-old boy was allegedly locked in a bedroom for up to 24 months.
On Thursday, officers were contacted by the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex requesting assistance in checking on the welfare of a child. Upon arrival, police say the house appeared vacant. The homeowner was contacted and entry to the house was made.
Once inside, officers say they discovered the 10-year-old boy locked within the master bedroom. The investigation determined the boy had been allegedly locked in the room for a period of 18 to 24 months.
The boy was transported to hospital, where he was determined to be underweight and malnourished. He’s now in the care of CAS.
The child’s legal guardians, his aunt and uncle, are charged with failing to provide the necessaries for life and forcible confinement.
The couple has a biological child, who has also been taken into CAS custody. However, officials say there’s no evidence that this child was ever locked in a room.
CAS says the investigation was spurred by a tip from a member of the public.
Names of the guardians will not be released in order to protect the child’s identity.
