All of the eight men arrested last week in a group rape case centering on a car showroom in Den Bosch have been released from jail.

Two men, aged 18 and 26, were freed on Friday and the remaining six, who only had access to their lawyer, were let go following a remand hearing on Monday.

A court spokesman declined to say why the men were no longer being held, given that they are suspected of a crime which carries a sentence of at least 12 years in jail.

The public prosecution department said it will appeal against the decision to release the men. The release could have an impact on the investigation, a spokesman said.

Five of the eight young men arrested on charges of raping minors in dawn raids a week ago are cousins, according to the Telegraaf.

Relatives have told the paper that they cannot believe the men are guilty of grooming, possibly drugging and raping three girls aged 15 and 16 in a ‘chill room’ at a car sales room in Den Bosch.