US swimmer Ryan Lochte has apologised for not being "more careful and candid" after he claimed he and his teammates had been robbed at gunpoint in Rio.

It comes after the behaviour of the four sportsmen was described as "not acceptable" by the US Olympic Committee (USOC)

Lochte, Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger initially claimed they had been robbed as they travelled back to the athletes' village after a party on Sunday - but their account turned out to be far from the truth.

The drunken quartet had instead been confronted by armed guards after smashing up a petrol station toilet - breaking a door, mirror and soap dispenser, according to police.

A photo posted by Ryanlochte (@ryanlochte) on Aug 19, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

Lochte said on Instagram: "I want to apologize for my behavior last weekend - for not being more careful and candid in how I described events of that early morning."


He added: "It's traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country - with a language barrier - and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave..."

The situation "could and should have been avoided", the 32-year-old said, adding that he had "learned some valuable lessons".

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Image: Lochte also apologised for taking attention off the success of other athletes

Bentz and Conger have returned to the US after giving their version of events to investigators.

Lochte returned home on Monday, while police said Feigen had agreed to pay $10,800 (£8,300) to a Brazilian charity after revising his story.

It is thought he will fly back to America later on Friday.

A statement by the USOC confirmed claims by the Brazilian police that Lochte and his three teammates were not robbed, and the intoxicated athletes instead vandalised a petrol station toilet and were questioned by armed guards before they paid for the damage and left.

Swimmers On CCTV At Time Of Alleged Incident

"An argument ensued between the athletes and two armed gas station security staff, who displayed their weapons, ordered the athletes from their vehicle and demanded the athletes provide a monetary payment," the USOC statement said.

"Once the security officials received money from the athletes, the athletes were allowed to leave.

"The behavior of these athletes is not acceptable, nor does it represent the values of Team USA or the conduct of the vast majority of its members.

"We will further review the matter, and any potential consequences for the athletes, when we return to the United States."

Police said they became suspicious after the swimmers still had their watches when returning to the athletes' village - items likely to be stolen in a street robbery.

Image: US swimmers Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz pictured arriving back in Miami

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes accepted the USOC's apology and said the swimmers' behaviour did not represent the spirit of the other US athletes.

Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereria said the allegations had "worldwide repercussions", telling Globo news that they "denigrated the image of our country, of the Olympics in our house."

Rio spokesman Mario Andrada said the swimmers deserved "a break".

He said: "They are competing under gigantic pressure. Let's give these kids a break.

"Sometimes you take actions that you later regret. They had fun. They made a mistake. Life goes on."