Six brothers have been charged with sexually abusing a girl in North Carolina for more than a decade. The alleged abuse began when the girl was aged four and lasted until she was 14, Sheriff Eric Tilley in Hertford said.

The investigation began in late 2012 after one of the brothers, Eric Jackson (27), went to a pastor at his church and confessed. Then he reportedly confessed to authorities.

According to the Virginian Pilot newspaper, Jackson told police he needed to "walk in the light and confess his sin".

He and his brothers - Jon (25), Matthew (22), Nathaniel (21), Benjamin (19) and Aaron (18) - were arrested on charges including sexual assault and rape.

The investigation lasted over a year because initially the girl did not speak to authorities.

Mr. Tilley told local TV station WTKR "I don't think they know the magnitude of what they've done because I don't think they knew it was wrong.

"They haven't been taught any differently. I'm not sure when that's going to sink in exactly what they were doing was wrong".

Authorities also say their parents knew about the abuse but failed to report it or take any action to stop it. The pair, John Jackson (65) and Nita (54) have been charged with felony child abuse and released on bail.

The mother is accused of witnessing at least one case of abuse.

The brothers moved to a house on a quiet rural street in Carolina 12 years ago and lived a reclusive life. They were home schooled and had little education.

Authorities say the girl was home schooled with them.