A family of five has been found living rough on a river bank in eastern Ukraine. The children are now safe and sound in an orphanage, but the parents are facing trial on charges of negligence.

Karina, Andrey and Sergey, aged 10, 8 and 4 respectively, lived in reeds near the village of Abazovka together with their parents. One of children claims the family had been thrown out of their grandmother’s house following a dispute. As the nights got colder the children had to put on several sweaters and trousers to stay warm.

The parents did not work and did not take the children to school, although they were entitled to and received an allowance.

“When we first saw the children, they looked dirty and neglected. At the moment, they're receiving medical and psychological help. We hope they'll soon be ready to get back to school,” an orphanage worker said.

According to their grandmother, the children’s parents were alcoholics, unable to take care of their own children.

With their children now in an orphanage, the parents have promised to make a fresh start. However, authorities say they're planning to launch a criminal case.