The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court yesterday extended the custody of six people suspected of robbing and battering men who sought sexual services near the city's old bus terminal.

In recent months three people reported being assaulted, beaten and robbed in the central bus station area. Each complainant told the police that he had come to a male prostitute site, where a man on the street joined him and led him to a dark corner. There the complainant was attacked violently by several people and robbed."

"The victims were attacked and beaten with extreme violence, Clockwork Orange style," said Superintendent Ronen Avnieli, who is investigating the case. "They required long hospitalization and one had his ear irrevocably torn off."

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An undercover police probe found a gang of seven operating in the area. One man serving a "bait" would enter the car and lure the victim to a dark corner, presumably for sex. Once there, the other suspects would attack the victim,and abuse him, Avnieli said. They would then rob the victim of his money and vehicle.