Scientists at Antarctic Sanae IV base rocked by alleged assault

A spokesperson for the South African government told the BBC there had been an assault at the station.

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A team of nine researchers were due to spend the Antarctic winter at the South African-run base, which sits about 170km (about 105 miles) from the edge of the ice shelf and is difficult to reach.

But a spokesperson for the South African government told the BBC "there was an assault" at the station, following earlier allegations of inappropriate behaviour from inside the camp.

In a further message seen by the BBC, the South African environment ministry said it was responding to the concerns with "utmost urgency".

South Africa's Sunday Times, which was first to report the story, said members of the team had pleaded to be rescued.