A mother duct taped the mouths of her toddlers then posted the image to Facebook.

Police are investigating a mother who duct taped her toddler’s mouths shut and then posted the image to Facebook with the caption “for sale.”

The photo, posted by a mother from Memphis in the US on Facebook on Friday had the status update “Kids for sale, 45 per cent off because they bad.”

In the disturbing image the toddlers can be seen sitting in a car, with grey duct tape tied around their hands across their mouths.

The oldest of the little children appears to have tears in her eyes.

The photo sparked outrage after it was posted on the social network by Jaibabi, who is thought to be the mother of at least one of the toddlers.

Memphis Police Department in Tennessee were then informed of the photo and have said they are investigating the image.

According to WMC a cousin of Facebook user Jaton Justsilly Jaibabi who posted the pic said it was intended as simply a joke.

Derion King wrote: “Basically a joke at the moment that people just went overboard about. People make mistakes and that’s what this situation is, a lesson learned. They are safe, unharmed, and loved. That’s all it is to it.”

He said “Our family and friends know the love we have for all the kids in our family.”

“They [the children] are safe, unharmed, and loved that’s all it is to it.”

But Facebook users who commented on the image said is was “offensive” and “wrong”.

“I could not breathe” wrote one ”It took my breath away, caused extreme emotional distress. These are children. These are human beings.”