A javelin thrower accidentally killed a sports official at a German athletics meeting.

Police in Dusseldorf said the 74-year-old man died in hospital after being hit in the throat.

A spokesman said they have opened an investigation into the death but that initial indications were it had been a "tragic accident."

He said the 15-year-old athlete who threw the javelin was receiving psychological counselling.

Hundreds took part in the youth athletics event at a stadium in the Rath district of Dusseldorf.

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