A hotel worker is being questioned by Jamaican police for the alleged rape at gunpoint of two American tourists at a Riu hotel in Montego Bay.

He is in police custody after the incident at the all-inclusive Riu Reggae Hotel.

According to local reports, a man broke into a guest room at the hotel and sexually assaulted two victims.

At some point during the attack he reportedly dropped the gun, which was picked up by one of the women who then shot him.

The attacker was wounded in the upper arm and fled.

Police said the gun was stolen from another room at the hotel.

The hotel group said in a statement: "There was a very unfortunate incident in the Riu Reggae Hotel in which a man, who was a trainee at the entertainment department of the hotel, attacked two of our guests.

"The aggressor, who had been in training for only three days, managed to escape at first, but thanks to the work of the police with the full collaboration of the hotel management, he was arrested a few hours later and brought to justice."

The Riu hotel group, in which TUI AG has a non-controlling investment, also defended its recruitment procedures.

"It is relevant to note that Riu Hotels & Resorts has a very severe and rigorous security policy regarding the hiring of employees and trainees," it said.

"The protocol was followed and the documentation requested. The trainee presented a recommendation letter from a justice of the peace, he also had to submit a recommendation from an entertainment manager from another company, and he also presented a CV with experience and education relevant to the position he applied for.

"The police record is also always requested prior to formalising the work contract."

It added: "The management continues to work closely with the local authorities and all the team at Riu Reggae is making an effort to provide the level of service and comfort that the current guests expect and deserve."

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association urged a full investigation into the incident.

The adults-only hotel is described on TUI's website as 'lively' with a 'stellar pool scene, heaps of activities and a pick of places to dine in'.

A spokesman for TUI UK declined to provide further comment.

Courtesy of Travelmole