The young parents of a baby girl found in an 'unspeakable' state have been arrested for allegedly battering her to death.

Jadalyn Barton, one, was taken to a North Carolina hospital unresponsive and 'covered in bruises' before she was pronounced dead.

Her teen dad, Jonathan Blake Barton, hit the little girl with his “fist, belt and/or switch” over a period of three months, causing extensive bruising over her body, according to an arrest warrant.

The 17-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious injury.

Her mum Sarah Hardin, 25, is also facing child abuse charges, reports ABC 13.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said: "This is such a troubling case that no one would want to imagine.

"The condition of this innocent infant is unspeakable and was really difficult for our investigators.

"As the investigation continues all I can do is ask for the county to pray."

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Jadalyn’s funeral costs, but has since been deleted.

It read: "Jadalyn passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. This is an unthinkable tragedy.

"She leaves behind many relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

"Although our family is heartbroken, we know that heaven rejoiced to receive our precious Jadalynn."

Roger Hunt, who lives near the family in the Shannon community, is still in disbelief.

He told WBTV: “I often wondered because they were just so quiet, they just kept to themselves and I said to myself, ‘Well they are good neighbors.

"A person that keeps to themselves is a good neighbor.’ But I was floored, knocked down when I found out about this."

Hardin is being held in the Robeson County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

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