A competitor has been seriously hurt after being hit by a shuttle bus at the athletes' village one day before the Opening Ceremony of the controversial European Games in Azerbaijan, 

15-year-old Austrian synchronised swimmer Vanessa Sahinovic was one of three swimmers hit when the vehicle mounted the pavement.

The Austrian Olympic Committee say Sahinovic has suffered fractures and a number of severe injuries, while fellow athlete Luna Pajer suffered arm injuries and has been flown back to Austria along with her compatriot. The third athlete escaped with minor injuries.

The inaugural event has faced criticism, amid a number of media organisations and human rights groups being banned from the country.