A boy aged just six is among a gang of youths accused of repeatedly attacking a schoolgirl over the space of five months in India, it has emerged.

Police say the child was part of a group of five - the others aged nine, ten, 12 and 18 - who targeted the eight-year-old in Pune, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

The girl's ordeal only came to light after she complained of severe stomach pain and was taken to see a doctor.

A boy aged just six is among a gang of young rapists accused of repeatedly attacking a schoolgirl over the space of five months in India. Police are pictured at a rally of women from the All India Democratic Women's Association in 2016

According to the Times of India, local police inspector Milind Gaikwad said: 'Her father took her to the doctor, who examined her and realised that something was wrong.

'He requested the father to call his wife or mother to the clinic. When his mother came to the clinic, the doctor told her that the girl could have been raped.'

Police said the girl and the boys lived in the same area and she and the younger boys went to the same school.

Police say the child was part of a group of five - the others aged nine, ten, 12 and 18 - who targeted the eight-year-old in Pune, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra (file picture)

Gaikwad added: 'The girl revealed that the five boys would take her to a neighbouring apartment as well as to other sections of the building, including the terrace, and force themselves on her.

'She said the 18-year-old first came to her house five months ago and took her away on the promise of giving her sweets. He was joined by the other four and they took turns in raping her.'

The boys have been charged with rape.