Cleveland kidnap victims thank supporters - video

THREE women kidnapped and held captive by Ariel Castro for a decade have appeared on camera for the first time since they were rescued in May from what the press dubbed the Cleveland, Ohio "house of horrors".

In the footage Amanda Berry, 27, Gina DeJesus, 23 and Michelle Knight, 27 appear happy and healthy and thank the public for their support. The trio also appeal for privacy to help recover from their decade-long ordeal, the Daily Mail notes.

The video also marks the first public appearance by Knight since her kidnap by Castro 12 years ago. "I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face and with my head held high and with my feet firmly on the ground," she says.

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During the three-and-a-half minute long clip, Berry thanks her family, explaining: "First and foremost, I want everyone to understand how happy I am to be home with my family and my friends. It's been unbelievable.

"'I'm getting stronger each day and having my privacy has helped immensely. I ask that everyone continues to respect our privacy and give us to time have a normal life."

Berry, DeJesus and Knight were allegedly bound by ropes and chains at various stages of their incarceration at 2207 Seymour Avenue, Cleveland. Castro allegedly fathered a child, now six, with Berry.

Castro is set to stand trial in August on 329 charges of kidnap and rape.