A bomb squad has blown up an unattended bag at the finish line of the men's Olympic cycling road race in a controlled explosion.

The suspicious package was found near the Copacabana beach - not far from the finish line at Flamengo Park in Rio de Janeiro.

The loud blast could be heard on the BBC's coverage of the race, with the shocked commentators stopping as the explosion rang out.

A bullet was fired through the roof of the media centre at the equestrian arena - almost hitting a New Zealand team official.

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A bomb squad has blown up an unattended bag at the finish line of the men's Olympic cycling road race in a controlled explosion

A bomb disposal unit was seen near the finish line, as were half a dozen military police officers

A bullet was fired through the roof of the media centre at the equestrian arena - almost hitting a New Zealand team official

Fans watching the race were startled when they heard a loud noise close to the waterfront.

A bomb disposal unit was seen near the finish line, as were half a dozen military police officers. The area has been cordoned off.

One cycling fan told MailOnline: ‘I thought it was a gun shot at first. Everyone stood up and looked a bit concerned but then sat back down so I presumed it was a firework.’

No one was injured in the blast and the race was not diverted.

British gold medal hopeful Chris Froome was among the favourites to win the race, but finished around three minutes behind the leaders.

The scare at the equestian centre - which is near Brazil's army training base - could have been far worse, with the bullet almost hitting a New Zealander.

The bullet almost hit a New Zealand official after coming through the roof of the venue

Christopher Froome (without sunglasses) of Great Britain rides in the Peleton during the men's cycling road race

Earlier a BBC journalist collapsed and suffered a seizure due to the intense heat and humidity at Copacabana, Brazil’s most famous beach.

Sports reporter Stephan Crossman passed out at the temperature exceeded 30C while as he covered the competition’s first beach volleyball match.