Neglected siblings to be placed for adoption

Two children are to be placed for adoption after a family court judge was told how they had been left home alone more than once.

Judge Eleanor Owens also concluded that their mother, who had a history of alcohol misuse, had "inappropriately chastised" them and left bruises and scratches.

The judge analysed the case at a family court hearing in Reading and had revealed detail in a ruling.

She said the children who are aged six and four could not be identified.