JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Police are investigating what they consider an especially troubling rape case in which three men allegedly attacked an 11-year-old girl, according to a WJXT-TV report.

Investigators said the attackers forced their way into a Westside apartment just before dark on Monday. According to the incident report, they allegedly locked the victim's 7-year-old sister outside, then forced the victim into the bedroom, where they held both her arms down while she was screaming and yelling.

"This is something that no one should ever have to go through, particularly for an 11-year-old," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson said.

Detectives said the victim got free and ran to the kitchen and picked up a large knife before the men grabbed her again and returned her to the bed, where they tried to tie her arms to the bedposts, WJXT-TV reported.

Police said the two of the men took turns raping her. According to the report, the third man apparently had second thoughts about what he was doing and left the room, but later returned and also raped the girl.

"They attempted to shield her from screaming by holding a pillow over her face. They held both of her arms down while they continued this particular act," Jefferson said. "It's just a very traumatic thing for a young child to have to go through."

Investigators said two of the men were hiding in a closet of the apartment, but fled when the mother came home.

Detectives are talking to neighbors, trying to find witnesses and leads to find the attackers.

Anyone with any information that could help police is asked to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.