Fiji probes alleged sexual assault of Virgin Australia crew

Fiji police are investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault on two Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year's Day, the government said Thursday.

The alleged attacks took place Wednesday in the nightclub area of the city of Nadi, home to the international airport, Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said.

"The alleged incidents are regrettable," Gavoka said in a statement.

"There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault, which affected two different crew members," he said.

"A suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues."

The crew members are at a local hotel used by the airline for layovers and they are set to return home this week after helping the police probe, the minister said.

Virgin Australia has sent representatives to Fiji to provide support for the affected staff.

Australia's foreign affairs department did not respond immediately to a request for information.

Gavoka, who is also the minister for tourism and civil aviation, said such attacks can happen anywhere and Fiji was not "immune".

"We, as always, remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night," he said.

Fiji relies heavily on its tourism industry, with close to a million visitors a year.