A teenage girl was allegedly kept prisoner at home by her parents for 10 years, and only rescued after a tip-off from a concerned neighbour.

The 19-year-old had been trapped in the property in Tenterden since she was nine, according to reports.

Her mother and father were then arrested for neglect last week and an inquiry was launched over fears authorities failed to check on her.

They have since been bailed by police.

The parents reportedly took her out of school a decade ago to home tutor her, but the girl, who has special needs, has not been seen since.

A source told The Sun: “The girl was in a distressed state when she was found and has been taken into care. She is receiving physical and psychiatric help. But there are a lot of questions being asked over how it could have happened.”

The source added: “It is hard to comprehend how it could happen. The girl had apparently not been seen by a GP or dentist in all that time.

“The education authority and social services lost all track of her.”

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police were called at 2.34pm on Thursday, August 22 with reports of concern for the welfare of a 19-year-old individual at an address in Tenterden.

“Officers attended and two people from Tenterden were arrested on suspicion of neglect and later released on bail.

“Kent Police and a number of partner agencies are investigating.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "KCC has received reports of concerns for the welfare of three adults at an address in Tenterden, including a 19-year-old girl.

"The council is working with partner agencies to carry out a safeguarding investigation.”

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden