NATCHEZ — Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said a rape reported to his office is now being investigated as a sexual battery and aggravated assault.

The incident occurred at approximately midnight when a 25-year-old woman answered a knock on the door to her home on Pinemount Road. Three men outside the door reportedly stepped into her house and immediately started attacking her.

The three men beat her unconscious by hitting, kicking and choking the victim.

Mayfield said the suspects also allegedly committed sexual battery, but not necessarily rape.

Mayfield said he could not comment on whether the victim knew the suspects.

The report was made at approximately 2 a.m., when the victim regained consciousness and went to the house of a relative, who then called the sheriff’s office.

The office is currently searching for two suspects for questioning and has made no arrests. Mayfield did not release the names of the suspects to prevent interfering with the investigation.

Further charges of robbery and breaking and entering may also later be brought against the suspects if they are arrested, Mayfield said.

He said a pistol and a stun gun were stolen from the victim’s house.

The victim was home alone, he said.

“Find out who it is before you unlock that door at night, and if you don’t know them, then call the sheriff’s office,” Mayfield said.