United Arab Emirates athlete dies after incident at London training ground

Abdullah Hayayei, 36, finished sixth in the javelin and seventh in the shot put at the Rio Paralympics

Abdullah Hayayei competes in the men's discus final of the IPC 2015 Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar

An athlete from the United Arab Emirates has died after an incident at a London training ground, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has said.

Emergency services were called shortly after 5pm on Tuesday to reports of a seriously injured man - named as Abdullah Hayayei.

The 36-year-old finished sixth in the javelin and seventh in the shot put at the Rio Paralympics for the F34 class – athletes who have moderate to severe hypertonia in both legs with significant difficulty in standing balance and walking.

Police, paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene but at 5.20pm the athlete was pronounced dead.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “We are all truly devastated by this tragic news and the passing of Abdullah.

“The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Abdullah’s family, friends and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of the UAE. We are all in state of shock at this terrible tragedy.”

Hayayei was training at Newham Leisure Centre in east London in preparation for the World Para Athletics Championships London 2017, which open on Friday.

It is not clear how the fatal injuries were sustained.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed about the incident.

A moment of silence will be held during Friday’s Opening Ceremony at the London Stadium in honour of his death.

Ed Warner, Co-chair of London 2017, said: “This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 Organising Committee is shocked and saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah's family and teammates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.

"We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed.”