Police in Italy are investigating a ring of black magic practitioners who allegedly raped young women on the pretext of “cleansing” them of evil spirits.

Three men were arrested in Turin on Tuesday on suspicion of raping a 17-year-old girl who they had allegedly persuaded to play the role of a “Vestal virgin”.

Investigators said they manipulated their victim with the aid of tarot cards, esoteric symbols, mysterious amulets and threats.

The group was allegedly led by Paolo Meraglia, 69, a self-styled “sorcerer” and a former maths teacher.

He was arrested along with a 73-year-old man, Biagino Viotti, believed to be a friend.

A 22-year-old man, who was reportedly a friend of the teenage victim, is also under investigation.

They are accused of arranging séances which ended with the group rape of the young woman in two apartments in Turin.

Police are investigating whether other women were sexually abused in the bizarre rituals.

The black magic ring was exposed after the young woman finally plucked up the courage to go to the police last September.

The men allegedly told her that she was possessed by demonic forces and that she could be “purified” by esoteric rites that involved drugs and group sex.