SIX Army sports club members have been held over a serious sex attack on a sleeping female soldier.

The woman, 17, is said to have told bosses she woke to find the men — one a Staff Sergeant — standing over her.

2 Six soldiers are being held over a serious sex attack on a 17-year-old female soldier Credit: Getty

She is said to have shrieked at realising what had happened.

The group, thought to have been drinking, fled. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was so “appalled” that yesterday he launched a review into bullying and harassment throughout the forces.

He also rang Army supremo Gen Sir Mark Carleton-Smith to express deep displeasure, sources said.

The minister told The Sun: “There’s no place for this kind of action in the military. If true, those involved must face the full force of the law.”

Gen Carleton-Smith said: “Inappropriate behaviour is downright unacceptable. It’s in stark contrast with everything the Army represents.

“It betrays an indiscipline wildly at odds with the values and standards that represent the fabric of not just our Army but the nation’s Army.”

There’s no place for this kind of action in the military. If true, those involved must face the full force of the law. Gavin Williamson

An insider added: “This is the most vile and rancid incident. No one has ever heard of anything so sickening.”

The suspects were held by military police. Five were nicked last Friday night and the sixth on Monday morning.

They have been released while the military cops complete their probe.

The Sun knows the name of their unit but is not revealing it for legal reasons.

MOST READ IN NEWS CLUB FURY Footballer who beat girlfriend & forced her to eat paint signs to new club DOG BITE DEATH Dog owner, 35, mauled to death by family pet while having an epileptic fit COP ATTACK Eleven firearm cops injured in horrific ‘acid attack’ during armed drugs raid BE A POPPY STAR Capt Tom & Becks launch Sun campaign to save Poppy Appeal from Covid threat HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker pays customer’s bill after he calls mum to ask for her order Exclusive PIERS PRESSURE Couple wiped out village's internet for 18 MONTHS to watch Piers on £30 TV

The review ordered by the Defence Secretary will be led by a senior officer and a civil servant. It aims to ensure such behaviour never recurs.

Insiders say the teenage girl is being fully supported and has been offered counselling.

It caps a nightmare week for the Army after four members of 3 Para filmed themselves using Jeremy Corbyn’s face for target practice in Afghan capital Kabul.

Shocking video showing 'soldiers using picture of Jeremy Corbyn for target practice' sparks British Army investigation

2 Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has ordered a review to ensure that such behaviour never recurs Credit: EPA

Military is ‘ready to respond’ to Britain’s knife crime crisis, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson reveals