A group of scientists due to work together for months at a remote Antarctic research station has been rocked after a member of the team was accused of physical assault.
Nine researchers were due to spend the Antarctic winter at the South African-run base.
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".
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