Another Team GB athlete robbed in Rio Another British athlete has become the victim of crime in Rio as incidents at the Games continue to rise. The […]

Another British athlete has become the victim of crime in Rio as incidents at the Games continue to rise.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) said an unnamed British competitor was involved in an “incident of theft” at Rio airport.

Unconfirmed reports said the athlete was held up by a weapon, but the BOA has denied the claims.

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Bill Sweeney, chief executive at BOA, said: “I don’t believe a weapon, a firearm, was involved. It was a theft incident and the athlete is safe. It reiterates the need to be aware.”

Ryan Lochte controversy

It comes amid controversy over the alleged gunpoint robbery of US swimming star Ryan Lochte and three team-mates.

Athletes Lochte, James Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger claimed their taxi was stopped by men posing as armed police after a night-out.

However, CCTV footage has emerged of Feigen and Lochte returning to the Olympic village much later than they claimed. Lochte’s wallet, which was said to have been stolen, was seen passing through security check.

The US Olympic Committee has since apologised to the people of Brazil for their claims and issued a statement about what they understand happened on the night in question, which is at odds with what the swimmers’ account.

Blanket ban on leaving village?

Team GB long jump star Greg Rutherford has also been targeted, with a phone containing pictures of his young son stolen at the weekend.

A BOA spokesman said:

“We can confirm there has been an incident of theft involving a Team GB athlete returning to their accommodation. “All members of our delegation, including the individual concerned, are accounted for and are safe and well.”

International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams was asked in the daily media briefing in Rio whether it was safe for competitors to leave the athletes’ village.

He said: “That really is a matter for the national Olympic committees. It wouldn’t be for me to make a blanket ban. Stopping people leaving the village would be crazy.”

Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada said: “This discussion needs to wait for the investigations, especially in the case of the American athletes [Lochte and swimmers].

“We need to conclude investigations before making an overall assessment.”

With additional reporting from the Press Association