Two young children left home alone in Perth while their parents were overseas are now in the government care.

A 28-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with two counts of knowingly engaging in conduct that may harm a child in her care.

Western Australian police went to a Cloverdale home on Wednesday and found the children, aged four and six, who had allegedly been left alone since Tuesday.

“It will be alleged both parents were overseas at the time the officers entered the property,” police said. “The children were subsequently removed from the property and placed into appropriate care.”

The state’s child protection minister, Andrea Mitchell, said the children were in the hands of departmental officials. “When I first heard about this situation I was horrified,” she said. “Any specific chance where there’s children of this age, or in fact any age, being left alone, is extremely concerning.

“This incident serves as an example of where the community actually takes a role in looking after and safeguarding children as well. The safety of children is the responsibility of all of us.”

The woman was arrested at the airport on Thursday after she arrived on an inbound flight and was detained by Border Force officials. She is due to appear in the Perth magistrates court on 22 June.