Inside 'flat from hell' as woman arrested over child neglect

Disturbing images reveal the shocking state of a home dubbed the “flat from hell” following the arrest of a woman on suspicion of child neglect. The condition of the property near Faversham has left neighbours fearing for their health as it remains filled with filth some four months after it was abandoned. One says the stench from the flat was so bad they initially feared someone had died inside, so they alerted police.

On January 5, officers were called to the address after concerns were raised for the occupants, but they found the property had been vacated. Later the same day, a 26-year-old woman was arrested outside of the county on suspicion of child neglect and animal cruelty. She was later conditionally bailed to return to the police station on July 4.



The scenes have horrified neighbours, who are now calling for the housing association responsible for the property to carry out an urgent clean-up. Images shared with KentOnline reveal disturbing scenes inside the flat, which remained unsecured this week. Mattresses are soiled and discoloured, walls are smeared with what appears to be human faeces, and every surface is strewn with rubbish – from rotting food packets to broken toys and soiled clothes.

The stairs are barely visible beneath a thick coating of grime and litter, while a child’s doll lies on a dirty mattress beside empty snack wrappers and a broken bed frame. “It’s horrible – I can’t even put it into words,” said one neighbour, who wishes to remain anonymous. “The smell was so bad that we thought someone had died up there.

That’s 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.

It’s unbearable.” The neighbour said that despite the tenant leaving the flat at the end of December 2024, no action has been taken to clean or secure the property. Residents say they have contacted Mears Living – the housing association that manages the flat – multiple times since January, but claim no real action has been taken.

When approached by KentOnline, a spokesperson for Mears Living said: “We’re aware of the issues and work to clear and clean the property will start next week.” But residents say that with decomposing waste, possible human excrement and an infestation of flies at the property, any action from the firm cannot be delayed. “I don’t want to live here anymore,” the neighbour admitted.

“The smell, the flies, the health risks – it’s like we’re being completely ignored. It feels like no one cares. “It’s been nearly four months and still nothing.

It’s a nightmare. “But it’s not just about the mess, it’s about being ignored. It’s 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.”.