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Stunned British swimmers returned to their digs to find their all-important kit had vanished, prompting a rush to get their hands on replacements before the first pool events tomorrow.

It is not known if the kit has been stolen from the athletes’ rooms or if the items were lost in the transition period between their training camp in Belo Horizonte.

But the latest drama adds to the problems that have plagued the organisation of the Brazil Olympics, amid reports that team members have banned cleaners from entering their rooms to prevent thefts.