A group of 12 Israelis accused of gang raping a British teenager in a popular resort town in Cyprus allege “the police hit us, they broke our noses and the girl is lying”.

A British woman who alleged she was gang-raped by a group of Israeli teenagers at a hotel has been arrested on suspicion of making a false allegation.

The 19-year-old woman recanted her claim that 12 Israelis gang-raped her at a hotel in Paralimni, Cyprus during questioning, according to news agencies.

The group, aged from 15 to 20, denied the claim.

“As I have argued throughout the process, there was no rape in Cyprus,” said defence lawyer Nir Jeslovich, who represented several of the suspects in court, according to the Jerusalem Post. “The young men who went on a vacation that became a nightmare will go home today, and everyone will return to their homes and families.”

Five of the group were released late last week after no DNA evidence linked them to the alleged attack. The remaining seven were sent home on Sunday.

Pictures of the men show them joyfully hugging friends and family upon their release.

One law enforcement official told The Associated Press the woman voluntarily recanted during questioning just after midnight, saying there had been sexual contact with the suspects but she wasn’t raped.

The woman allegedly told investigators she filed a rape report because she was “angry and insulted” that several of the men allegedly recorded footage of her having sex with them, the state-run Cyprus News Agency reported.

It’s understood the teenagers were in Ayia Napa partying and celebrating before they are conscripted into the country’s army — a requirement for all Israeli Jewish citizens over the age of 18.

Police allege the rape occurred on July 17 in the popular resort town where the woman and the dozen were staying separately.

The woman was said to be having medical treatment and was believed to have scratches on her legs.

All 12 suspects faced charges of rape and conspiracy to commit rape.

Lawyer Ioannis Habaris, who represents four of the suspects, told AP prosecutors informed the court the British woman was raped but it was unclear exactly how many of the suspects were implicated.

Prosecutors also told the court photographs and footage had been taken during the rape.

Mr Habaris said there was “some evidence” the British woman was involved in a “relationship” with one of the suspects, but as far as he knew, there was nothing to corroborate the allegation the suspects had engaged in any sexual act with the victim.

“As far as I’m concerned, and as far as the evidence presented, I do not have any material or evidence which … corroborates this story,” said Mr Habaris.

Some of the suspects — again with their faces covered to disguise their identity — also alleged on Israeli media outlets they had been beaten by Cypriot police.

“The police hit us, they broke our noses, and the girl is lying,” the teens said through their lawyers via The Jerusalem Post.

“Help us, get us out of here, you’ll see we’re right and that we’re innocent.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, “a large group of British people began beating up Israelis” they thought were close to the room of the 19-year-old British person once news of the alleged crime spread in the hotel.

Mr Habaris said he wasn’t aware of any police mistreatment of the suspects, but police should fully investigate any such allegations.

Israeli lawyer Nir Yaslovitzh, who represents three of the suspects, said there was no evidence the victim knew any of the suspects, and the 12 suspects came to the popular resort of Ayia Napa in three separate groups and didn’t know each other.

Mr Yaslovitzh said he suspected police investigators were trying to set a trap by implicating all 12 suspects.

“I think it’s a trick,” Mr Yaslovitzh told AP. “They want to know how my clients will (react).”

Mr Yaslovitzh told Israeli TV Channel 12 two of the suspects admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the woman, but it was consensual.

He added all the other suspects insisted they had no sexual contact with the woman, and they weren’t alone in the room with her.

Ayia Napa Mayor Yiannis Karousos said yesterday on Cyprus state broadcaster RIK tougher policing was needed in his town to prevent what he suggested was an atmosphere encouraging acts of lawlessness.

Ayia Napa is a magnet for younger tourists attracted by its party reputation and white sand beaches.