A Paralympic athlete has died after a throwing cage fell and struck him on his head while training at a leisure centre in east London.

Discus ace Abdullah Hayayei was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships London 2017, which begin on Friday.

Majid Rashed, vice president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Paralympic Committee, told a news conference: "The throwing cage collapsed on the athlete's head. Other than that we don't have any other information."

He said the details of how and why the cage fell were being investigated by the authorities.

Emergency services were called to Newham Leisure Centre at around 5pm on Tuesday after receiving reports that a man had been seriously injured.


Hayayei was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Met Police said: "At this early stage it is believed the man was struck by a metal pole which formed part of training facilities at the centre."

Teams and coaches from several nations were present at the time.

Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, said: "We are all truly devastated by this tragic news and the passing of Abdullah.

"The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Abdullah's family, friends and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of the UAE.

"We are all in a state of shock at this terrible tragedy."

Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017, said: "This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 Organising Committee is shocked and saddened.

"We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed."

Hayayei, from the United Arab Emirates, competed in a number of events including the javelin and shot-put as well as discus.

The 36-year-old made his Paralympic debut in Rio last year and London 2017 was to be his second World Championships.