The victim, who suffered bruises in the attack, was taken to a hospital for treatment. She has since returned to India where she is receiving therapy, according to an official statement.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident and said: “We are deeply saddened by the unlawful break-in at a hotel belonging to a major international chain, which affected one of our crew members. We are providing all possible support, including professional counselling, to our colleague and his team. Air India is also working with the local police to pursue the matter to the fullest extent permitted by law and with the hotel management to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.”
The airline stressed that the safety and well-being of its crew and staff was its highest priority and asked that the privacy of all those involved be respected.
Sources told TOI that the intruder, suspected to be a homeless man who managed to enter the hotel unnoticed, attacked the flight attendant with a coat hanger and dragged her on the ground as she tried to escape. Police are investigating the incident.
The incident highlights growing security concerns in certain parts of London. Air India pilots and crew based in the city have expressed the need for increased vigilance, particularly when staying in hotels outside central London. The attack came just a day after an 11-year-old Australian tourist was stabbed to death in Leicester Square, further heightening security concerns in the area.
