An Iowa couple is behind bars after police say social media photos of an abused child led to a shocking discovery.

CBS 8 reports that that the Iowa Department of Human Services contacted police after seeing photos of a toddler with significant bruising. The Ottumwa Police subsequently launched an investigation.

One of the photos, which CrimeOnline has viewed but declined to share, showed a young child with large purple, brown, and red bruising on her face and head.

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At around 11 a.m. on Saturday, officers arrived at a home at 2421 E. Main Street in Ottumwa and found a child with injuries all over her head, face, and body. The child was taken to a local hospital for examination.

Several children in the home were removed and placed in the care of relatives while officials complete investigations. On Wednesday, authorities arrested 28-year-old Ashley Lindley-Moser and 24-year-old Donald Graham. Both have been charged with child endangerment causing bodily injury.

An unnamed family member provided the photos, according to police. The photos quickly spread across social media as the community began sharing them. Authorities confirmed that they’ve seen the photos, which is what initially sparked the investigation.

“These pictures, I think, speak for themselves,” Ottumwa Police Lt. Jason Bell said. “They are very shocking to look at.”

“It’s horrible. We are human also and when you equate these type of injuries, you think of your own children and you can’t imagine how horrible that is.”

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Pixabay]