Rio 2016: Team GB member held at gunpoint during night out

'Do not go out of the village wearing Team GB kit or carry anything of value unless absolutely unavoidable,' says letter to British Olympic athletes

(File Photo) Team GB members have been warned of the dangers of Rio de Janeiro (EPA)

A Team GB member has been held up at gunpoint while on a night out in Rio de Janeiro.

While the person in question was not injured, British officials have now warned team members not to go out in the Olympic city.

British team members have been told to avoid at all costs leaving the athletes' village in their Team GB kit or with anything valuable.

According to the Guardian, British track and field officials said in a letter to all team members: "Do not go out of the village wearing TeamGB kit or carry anything of value unless absolutely unavoidable – this makes you too big a target for theft/crime.

"You MUST inform a member of team management if you are leaving the village and planning on staying out overnight – please do this BEFORE you leave.

"Rio is NOT a safe environment, and the level of crime has spiked in the last few days."

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has not imposed a blanket curfew on athletes like other countries but will introduce them if "further safety/security issues arise".

The letter concluded: "Think very carefully about whether it is worth the risk of leaving the village to celebrate after you have finished competing – BOA/UKA staff cannot guarantee your safety when away from the village/British School/British House.

"Our strong advice is that it is simply not worth the risk given the current climate in Rio."

After an alleged mugging at gunpoint, US Olympic swimmers Ryan Lochte, James Feigen have been ordered to stay in Brazil while police investigate their alleged mugging at gunpoint.