Terrified children trapped in home spark SWAT rescue after heartbreaking handwritten sign spotted in window

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.

Police rushed to a scene in the US where trapped young children held up a homemade sign leaving their family members fearing for their lives.

It's reported that three young children issued a plea for help, while also texting their grandmother about their fears, during an alleged domestic abuse incident in Florida back in October.

Family members had raised the alarm, suggesting that they were terrified for their safety, and police rushed to the address where a drone spotted a heartbreaking sign reading 'HELP US'.

The disturbance is reported to have begun when the mother of a five-month-old baby at the property told her sister that Andre Janard Smithson was 'beating' her.

The sign that children held up (Kissimmee Police Department)

Police were able to make contact with the children over the phone and after they confirmed that they were frightened and weren't being allowed to leave. However, attending officers weren't initially granted access into the property as they got no response after knocking.

In a post on Facebook, Kissimmee Police Department wrote: “Family members alerted officers that children were inside the residence and feared for their safety. Using a drone, officers located the children hiding in a room, where one child bravely held a handwritten note against the window reading 'HELP US'."

In the end, police were successful in their attempts to distract Smithson which allowed the children to escape unharmed, and he eventually gave himself up without any incident.

“The children were able to safely escape the residence while Smithson was distracted.

“Smithson eventually surrendered peacefully. Smithson was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and an outstanding active warrant.”

(Kissimmee Police Department)

Police also discovered that he had an outstanding active warrant. It's reported that he wanted to spend time with his young daughter before going to jail.

Both Smithson and the alleged victim have reportedly since told police the argument did not turn physical.

The Police statement concluded: "Excellent teamwork by KPD officers and specialized units in bringing this situation to a peaceful resolution!"

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.