British Airways stewardess ‘sexually assaulted by colleague after night out in Rio’ forcing airline to axe two flights

A BRITISH Airways stewardess has alleged that she woke up to one of two colleagues sexually assaulting her after a night out in Rio.

The cabin crew worker screamed in horror before she reported the man to cops with the airline later forced to axe two flights over the alleged behaviour.

The stewardess told police that the man molested her while arousing himself as the pair were in bed with a third male colleague in an airline hotel room.

She had spent the previous night partying with the pair.

Only one of the men have been reported to cops.

BA immediately "stood him down" and sent him back to the UK.

It is understood he will be formally suspended while investigations continue.

The incident devastated the remaining crew members in Rio, with three colleagues so upset by what had happened they were unable to carry on working.

Two flights had to be subsequently cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and forced to find hotels.

The BA crew had flown out to Brazil from London on a passenger flight this month and were enjoying downtime.

The frontline flying staff had gone out together after work and were downing drinks in Rio’s bars and nightclubs before returning to the crew hotel.

The female victim woke up the following day to allegedly discover one of her male colleagues masturbating and touching her.

She told Rio cops and airline bosses, who started an investigation.

The crew were 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 understands that 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 told The Sun: “It would be inappropriate to comment during a police investigation.”

And Scotland Yard told The Sun: “Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault committed against a female whilst she was abroad in South America.

“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.”