SINGAPORE — A Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight attendant has been arrested in Japan for allegedly stealing around 10,000 yen (S$90) worth of items from a store.

The 33-year-old woman was arrested on Nov 6 for allegedly stealing bath towels and other items from a store in Narita, a town in Chiba prefecture, reported local newspaper Chiba Nippo.

The suspect denied the charges, saying she did not steal the items and "intended to pay for them later", the news outlet reported, citing Japan police.

The Singaporean reportedly also bit a 51-year-old man's left arm when he tried to stop her from escaping.

She said she bit the man because she wanted him to let go of her neck, according to local news agency FNN.

"SIA can confirm that one of our staff members was arrested in Japan," the airline said on Tuesday (Nov 14) in response to CNA's queries.

"As this matter is under investigation, we are unable to provide further comments." 

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told CNA it is providing consular assistance to the Singaporean "in accordance with the laws in Japan". CNA