Olympic organisers say equestrian venue 'not a target'

Olympic organisers have stressed that the equestrian venue in Brazil was not a target, after a bullet ripped through the side of the media centre at Deodoro on Saturday.

A spokesman said the facility is situated on a military compound which may be an explanation for why the stray bullet ended up where it did.

No one was hurt but reports said the bullet landed close to a New Zealand team official who was badly shaken by the incident.

Speaking during a security briefing in Rio, executive communications director Mario Andrada said: "The bullet came from outside, and technical experts from the local police are investigating all relevant traces like distance and direction, and the type of bullet.

"All authorities assured that the bullet was a stray bullet that has nothing to do with the Games or the Olympic family or the press.

"The area was not a target. Security around the area is in place. It was an unfortunate incident. As soon as more information is available, it will be disclosed immediately."

The facility will also host the modern pentathlon, rugby sevens and shooting events.

All authorities assured that the bullet was a stray bullet that has nothing to do with the Games or the Olympic family or the press

Alice Collins, of Horse and Hound magazine, was in the media centre at the time of the incident and she told Sky Sports News HQ: "The first we knew of it was a sort of clattering noise.

"The bullet landed towards the edge of the room of the media centre which is a very large building which is tented.

"Then we realised the bullet had come through the side of the tent. I can see now the hole it made and the light coming through it. Luckily no-one was injured."