Twelve Israeli teenagers held in Cyprus over alleged gang rape of British tourist

Hebrew-language media reported that some of the suspects were due to be inducted into the Israeli army in the coming days, including joining elite combat units.

Police say the investigation is in its early stages and it is not yet clear how many people are suspected of being involved.

Israel's foreign ministry said in a statement that its diplomats had been allowed to speak with the suspects.

It said: "The Israeli consul in Nicosia, Yossi Wurmbrand, is following developments and is in contact with the detainees.

"Their families have been updated."

Yaniv Habari, the suspects’ representative, told Haaretz he had met them and they were in a “good mood”. He declined to comment on whether they deny the accusations.

He said: “So far the police have extracted DNA samples from them and at this stage I cannot provide further details. We are talking here about young boys, minors.”