Washington investigators have launched an investigation after 14-month-old twins were abandoned outside of a grocery store in subfreezing weather.

According to KOMO News, the toddler twins were discovered outside of a grocery store in La Conner around 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Detective Sgt. Jennifer Sheahan-Lee of the Skagit County Sheriff's Office said one child was found in a car seat outside of the store by a stunned customer.

Once brought inside to safety, the baby was cared for by store employees until authorities arrived at the scene.

After police responded to the call, however, the father also arrived at the store and said there was a second baby missing, a twin.  

After a frantic search the second baby was found, also abandoned near the grocery store.  

At this time, police have not revealed if the children’s mother or father left them accidentally or intentionally.

Police say the temperature was in the 20s when the babies were found, and they do not know how long they were outside alone for before help arrived.

According to Sheahan-Lee, both children were taken into protective custody after they were rescued.