A British Airways flight attendant was allegedly raped in her hotel room during a stopover in Barbados, MailOnline can reveal.
The woman had spent the evening drinking with crew members on the Caribbean island when a man who she knew had joined the group. She later invited the man, who lives on the island, back to her room, it’s understood.
Once there the man raped her, according to her statement to local police who have since said they are ‘actively investigating’ the allegation – and that the assailant faces arrest.
The stewardess’s BA flight back to Heathrow from Barbados’s Grantley Adams airport was delayed by 14 hours.
A spokesman for Barbados Police told MailOnline they are actively looking for the alleged rapist – understood to be known by the victim – who is believed to be an expat who lives on the island.
‘This is an active investigation after an allegation of rape was made by a member of the British Airways crew,’ said Assistant Commissioner Jefferson Clark.
‘We know the identity of the man and where he lives, but he is not home. It is a small island, and we will locate him. He is a Caucasian so most likely an expat.’
Barbados Police later said a person of interest in the alleged rape was being questioned.
The BA flight attendant has remained on the island while the investigation is carried out.
Describing the events that took place earlier this year, the spokesman said the BA crew had been out drinking together at a karaoke bar.
They were joined for drinks by the man now being sought.
The police spokesman said: ‘She has told us in her statement the man was known to her. She invited him back to her hotel room but what took place was not consensual. There is an allegation of rape.
‘This is being treated very seriously and we are pursuing an arrest.’
A BA source said the crew had all enjoyed a karaoke evening at a bar near to their five-star hotel before returning to their rooms.
Police attended the luxury hotel where the victim was comforted by her colleagues.
She and four other members of the crew were asked to make detailed statements the morning after the incident and travelled to Bridgetown police station.
A member of the British High Commission was present at the police station to offer support.
BA pilots and flight attendants are advised against allowing others to share their room while on overnight stopovers.
A BA spokesman said: ‘This is a police matter and we’re supporting our colleagues at this time.’
