MIAMI – Two children were found inside a condemned building Friday after their mother was severely beaten by a man, Miami police said.
Police said the children's mother was found by a police officer roaming the streets near the building at 361 NW Seventh St. They said her face was bloodied.
She was taken to a hospital for treatment by Fire Rescue.
David Darling, who is part of the crew demolishing the the building, told Local 10 News that his supervisor found two toddlers inside the building when he showed up to work at 7 a.m.
"No one supposed to be living in the building," Darling said. "Some people may kind of squat but nobody is supposed to be in here."
Darling said the conditions inside the apartment were "horrible."
Local 10 News reporter Shyann Malone entered the unit and found boarded up windows, no running water or electricity and a strong stench of urine. Trash was also scattered throughout the inside and outside of the building.
"I wouldn't dare want my kids to be left like that," Darling said.
Police set up a perimeter to search for the man who beat up the woman, but he has not been found.
Authorities said the children were handed over to their grandmother.
The man's relationship to the woman and children is unclear.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched an investigation into the children's wellbeing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.