A north-eastern Pennsylvania couple accused of making a seven-year-old boy sleep in a coffin have been arraigned on endangerment and unlawful restraint charges.

The nappy-clad boy was found crying in the basement of a home. He was bound with tape.

His mother, 26, and stepfather, 31, were ordered to be taken to Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of 60,000 US dollar (£38,870) bail.

The Scranton Times-Tribune said the couple said nothing as they were escorted out of the Scranton police headquarters.

Neighbours heard the boy crying last week and called police. Officials said the insect-infested home has been condemned.

Authorities say in a criminal complaint the child told officers he was often locked in the basement.

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