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British Airways flight attendant ‘woke up to find a colleague sexually assaulting her’, forcing the airline to cancel two flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded

British Airways flight attendant ‘woke up to find a colleague sexually assaulting her’, forcing the airline to cancel two flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded

A British Airways flight attendant claims she woke up screaming in horror when she saw her colleague sexually assaulting her, forcing the airline to cancel two flights and abandon hundreds of passengers.

The cabin attendant reported the man to police, claiming he had abused her as he woke himself up while the pair were in bed with a third male colleague in an airline hotel room.

This comes after she partied with both of them the previous night.

BA immediately ‘arrested’ him (the man) and it is understood he will be formally suspended while the investigation continues.

The suspect was then sent back to Britain from Rio.

The devastated crew members were reportedly so distressed that three of them could no longer continue working.

Two flights were subsequently cancelled, forcing hundreds of passengers to seek hotels.

The BA crew had flown to Brazil from London on a passenger flight earlier this month and said they had had some downtime.

British Airways flight attendant ‘woke up to find a colleague sexually assaulting her’, forcing the airline to cancel two flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded

A British Airways flight attendant claims she woke up screaming in horror after discovering her colleague was sexually assaulting her

The BA crew had flown from London on a passenger flight to Rio (pictured) in Brazil earlier this month and described enjoying some downtime

The BA crew had flown from London on a passenger flight to Rio (pictured) in Brazil earlier this month and described enjoying some downtime

They were having some drinks in Rio’s bars and nightclubs when the female victim woke up after returning to the hotel to find one of her male colleagues masturbating and touching her.

The crew would operate BA shuttle services from Rio to Buenos Aires and back.

Rio authorities allowed the alleged sexual attacker to fly home as a passenger on a BA flight.

He was arrested by Scotland Yard police, who are now investigating the sexual abuse allegations.

The Sun says it understands the alleged female victim met with officers from Scotland Yard and gave her account of what happened in Rio.

A source said: ‘This incident has traumatized some staff and shocked everyone at BA.

‘It is not known how the crew member ended up in bed with two male colleagues. But the group had been drinking the night before.

‘A night of swearing the night before has resulted in an incredibly serious and disturbing allegation the next morning, which could end careers and lead to criminal convictions.

‘Some of the people involved have long-term partners at home and the consequences of this are devastating for many people.

‘BA is offering support to those who need it and bosses are doing everything they can in an incredibly difficult situation.’

British Airways said last night: ‘It would be inappropriate to comment during a police investigation.’

Scotland Yard added: ‘Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault committed against a 33-year-old woman while she was abroad in South America.

‘The crime is said to have taken place on November 10.

‘The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

‘No arrests have been made. Investigations are underway.

‘We recognize the courage it takes for someone to report a sexual offense to the police and we want to ensure that those who take this step are well supported and that their report is thoroughly investigated.’