At least three children were removed from their parents' care and what police called deplorable living conditions.

Martins Ferry police said they arrived at the home and found two toddlers -- alone and filthy -- walking on broken glass on a roof.

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SLIDESHOW - Police: Kids Living In Deplorable Conditions

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Inside the home was littered with trash, broken glass, knives, dog feces, dirty diapers and dirty laundry.

"(The house) is on a sloped hillside, so the back side of that roof is actually a two-story drop," said patrolman Tom Siburt.

Officers said the children may have been trying to escape from the home. Police said the smell inside was overwhelming, and flies polluted the home, even in a baby's crib.

"You have parents out there that allow their kids to live in these conditions, so you hate to say you're going to make an example out of these people, but at the same time you do. Hopefully it forces parents to take better care of their children," said Police Chief Barry Carpenter.

The number of children was not immediately known, but police said two were toddlers and one was 14 years old. All were removed from the home and put into someone else's care.

In addition to the parents, charges are pending against the landlord of the home. Police said Animal Control officers also removed dogs, cats and a turtle.