Airways stewardess 'woke up to find colleague sexually assaulting her'

A British Airways stewardess has claimed she woke up screaming in horror to find her colleague sexually assaulting her, forcing the airline to cancel two flights and leave hundreds of passengers stranded.

The cabin worker reported the man to police alleging that he molested her while arousing himself as the pair were in bed with a third male colleague in an airline hotel room.

This comes after she had spent the previous night partying with them both.

BA immediately 'stood him (the man) down' and it is understood he will be formally suspended while investigations continue.

The suspect was subsequently sent back to the UK from Rio.

Devastated crew members were reportedly so upset that three of them could no longer carry on working.

Two flights were then cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers forced to find hotels.

The BA crew had flown out to Brazil from London on a passenger flight earlier this month and describe having enjoyed some downtime.

They were downing some drinks in Rio's bars and nightclubs when after returning to the hotel, the female victim allegedly woke to discover one of her male colleagues masturbating and touching her. 

The crew had been due to operate BA shuttle services from Rio to Buenos Aires and back.

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

He was picked up by Scotland Yard cops, who are now investigating the sex assault allegations.

The Sun says it understands the alleged woman victim has met with Scotland Yard officers and given her account of what happened in Rio.

A source said: 'This incident has traumatised some staff and shocked everyone at BA.

'How the crew member ended up in bed with two male colleagues is not known. But the group had been out drinking the night before.

'An evening of high-jinx the night before has resulted in an incredibly serious and upsetting allegation the following morning, which could end careers and lead to criminal convictions.

'Some of the people involved have long-term partners at home and the fall-out from this is devastating for a lot of people.

'BA has been offering support to those who need it and bosses are doing everything they can in what is an incredibly difficult situation.'

Last night British Airways said: '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 female whilst she was abroad in South America.

'The offence is alleged to have taken place on the 10 November.

'The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

'There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.

'We recognise the courage it takes for someone to report a sexual offence to police and we are committed to ensuring those who take this step are properly supported and have their reports thoroughly investigated.'