Six people have been arrested for kidnapping and torturing a flatmate for a week after she told them she wanted to move out.

Shocked police found the victim battered and burned with the word ‘rape’ shaved into the back of her head.

The victim – not named by officials – told police she had moved to Athens, in Henderson County, Texas, from another US state and set up home with people she had met online.

But when she told them she wanted to move, she was reportedly held against her will and abused for about a week.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said in a statement on 30th March: “Sheriff Botie Hillhouse today said six people were arrested late Tuesday and charged with the aggravated kidnapping of a female victim who was held against her will and tortured.

“We received a call about a suspicious person, discovered this troubling case and quickly made arrests.”

The HCSO added: “The woman had met the suspects online.”

The police continued: “Hillhouse said she had been severely tortured during her captivity.

“173rd District Judge Dan Moore issued the warrant allowing Hillhouse’s Tactical Team and the District Attorney’s Office to search a residence on Waverly Way in Athens.

“392nd District Judge Scott McKee issued the arrest warrants for the following people who were each charged with aggravated kidnapping: Felicity Emanuelle Walker, 22; Summer Syler Lawrence, 45; Breonna Cheyenne Johnson, 22; Amanda Marie Andrews, 22; Shayne Joseph Anderson, 30; Charles K. Bryant, Jr., 21.”

Citing the arrest affidavit, local media said the victim was severely bruised and had burn marks. The word ‘rape’ had also been shaved into the back of her head.

The police said the victim is being treated for her injuries as the investigation continues.