Former Belarus 100m champion murdered?

Minsk - A search of woodland and marshes around Minsk was continuing Wednesday as police launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of disgraced 100m sprint champion Yulia Balykina.

A 28-year-old Russian national has been arrested but has not yet been charged, investigators said.

Balykina, 31, was national Belarus champion on several occasions and took part in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, before picking up a two-year doping ban in 2013.

Recently training children at an elite club, Balykina has not been seen since October 28.

Investigators said they had "found evidence pointing to the criminal nature of this disappearance, suggesting a murder has been committed".

They confirmed: "We are combing the woods, fields and marshes in the Minsk region, but so far there are no reults."

A representative of the Belarussian Athletics Federation said its athletes are helping police look for Balykina.