BOMB SCARE Rio 2016: Bomb squad agents carry out controlled explosion near finish of cycling road race as bullet hits equestrian venue

BOMB disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion near the finish line of the men’s cycling road race.

A loud blast was heard towards the climax of the route at Flamengo Park in Rio according to reports, but there are said to be no injuries and the race is continuing.

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A bomb disposal expert arrives a the scene where a bag was blown up

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The peleton ride during the Men’s Road cycling race in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

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Tim Peach @TimPeachBBC

Hole in the press centre roof at the Deodoro where a bullet was somehow fired in #RioOlympics2016

7:57 PM - 6 Aug 2016

 
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That came as a military bullet tore through the roof of Olympic Equestrian Centre, just missing a New Zealand team official.

The bullet pierced the canvas overhead and came within inches of a table within the press area, which is located near a military compound.

Meanwhile, some 12 military police were cordoning off the area of the suspicious package at the cycling but no one was immediately evacuated.

The blast was heard live on the BBC’s television coverage.

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Agents made a controlled explosion after the suspicious package was found

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Bomb squad agents control the area near the finish line of the cycling race

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Chris Froome competes in the men’s road race at Rio 2016

It it thought the cause for concern was an unattended bag, which may have belonged to a homeless man.

Team GB’s Chris Froome is among the names competing in the race.

A number of unattended bags have been destroyed in controlled explosions by experts in Rio in the days leading up to the Games.