In an age where tragedy abounds each day on our newsfeeds, some have almost become numb to the bad news – but the following story and images are sure to stop even the hardest person in their tracks.
Police in Ohio, US have released photos of a man and woman passed out in their car following a reported heroin overdose – with a toddler sitting in a carseat in the back.
Authorities behind the City of East Liverpool Facebook page revealed that they received a call regarding the ‘incapacitated driver’, then arrived on the scene to find the shocking and heartbreaking scenario depicted.
They explained that they decided to release the disturbing photos in a renewed bid to crack down on heroin use in their state.
“We feel it necessary to show the other side of this horrible drug. We feel we need to be a voice for the children caught up in this horrible mess. This child can’t speak for himself but we are hopeful this story can convince another user to think twice about injecting this poison while having a child in their custody,” they wrote.
While they went on to apologise for potentially offending anyone who stumbled upon the photos, they insisted that now is the time for the ‘non-drug-using public to see what they are dealing with’ on a daily basis.
As you can imagine, the photos have shocked and deeply upset both members of the local community and the wider world.
While many have expressed their heartbreak over the scenario, others have criticised the authorities for including the child in the post.
“This is so beyond unacceptable to post a photo on the internet of this extremely unfortunate child in the car…I’m in disbelief that you used this child that could not consent to send a national message,” wrote one father.
What are your thoughts?
