Thirteen-month-old baby, found living in squalor with mother, taken into protective care

SUR has learned, the girl and her mother lived in a house in the Guadalhorce area. The 41-year-old woman and child were squatting in the house which had neither electricity nor water. The mother apparently suffers from Diogenes syndrome, a condition characterised by self-neglect, domestic squalor and compulsive hoarding of rubbish.

According to sources, the baby had not undergone medical examinations or had the vaccinations required at her age. Once the National Police rescued her from the house, she was examined by doctors who confirmed that she was in good health, despite her living conditions.

The Junta de Andalucía's child protection service has taken over the guardianship of the girl and the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office has been informed of the absence of care for the minor by her mother should she be held criminally accountable, although she has not been arrested at this time.