European triple jump champion Phillips Idowu has pulled out of England’s Commonwealth Games because of safety fears.

On his Twitter page, Idowu wrote: “Sorry people, but I have children to think about.

"My safety is more important to them than a medal. I understand people will be disappointed that I will not be competing. I am disappointed.

"All the press today about bridges collapsing and 23-plus people being hurt, floods and uninhabitable living conditions. Getting my daughter ready for school this morning and seeing all of that put me off.”