Rio 2016: Stray bullet 'may have been fired at blimp' says Brazil's defence minister

The gunshot missed members of the media by just a few feet

Staff inspect the damage caused by the stray bullet (Getty)

The bullet which was shot into the media centre at the Rio Olympic Games’ equestrian arena may have been fired by a gang member aiming at a police blimp, according to Brazilian officials.

The gunshot missed journalists by a few feet after tearing through the roof of the media centre while those inside were enjoying a lunch break.

A spokeman for New Zealand’s Olympic team claimed that the bullet had landed close to where members of the team’s media attaché was seated.

The country’s defence minister, Raul Jungmann, said on Sunday: "One hypothesis is that someone who felt they were being filmed and observed made the shot."

Police in Rio de Janeiro regularly use blimps and drones to monitor crowds, with many coming into use just prior to this summer’s Games.

Officials have increased security at the venue, which is located next to a military complex, following the incident.

Initial reports suggested that the bullet may have come from a firing range at the site, but a military spokeswoman said there were no drills at the neighboring facility.

Two soldiers stationed outside the equestrian center said any shots heard must have been from the Olympic shooting venue.

Jungmann, however, said the bullet absolutely did not come from the Olympic shooting competition held at a venue more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away.

An investigation into the incident will now be carried out by the Brazilian government.

Additional reporting by Reuters