A total of eight men between the ages of 18 and 26 years were arrested in Rosmalen and Den Bosch early on Tuesday morning. They are suspected of gang raping at least three teenage girl in separate incidents at a garage company in 's-Hertogenbosch, the police said in a statement.

This investigation started early this year, when three teenage girls from 's-Hertogenbosch came separately to the police to report that they were raped by multiple men. In all cases the girls came into contact with members of the group, sometimes through social media. The police believe the girls were drugged and, while defenseless, sexually assaulted by multiple men from the group. Sometimes violence was used.

The gang rapes happened at a garage company in 's-Hertogenbosch, the police said. Forensic investigation was done there earlier this year.

While searching the suspects' homes on Tuesday, the police seized items that can be used as evidence, but also valuables that can be used for any possible victim compensation imposed by the court, the police said.

The investigators have indications that this group of men gang raped more girls or young women. The police call on anyone else who may have fallen victim to this group to come forward. "Whether it happened recently or longer ago, know there is help for you", the police said. Now that the suspects are in custody, the police hope victims will be less afraid to file a report. Victims can also make contact with a Center for Sexual Violence on 0800-0188 to get professional help.