Australian officials have bumped up security in Rio, banning athletes from some of the city’s most beautiful beaches at night.

It comes after American swim star Ryan Lochte and three of his teammates were held up at gunpoint by men posing as police officers.

The beaches along Ipanema and Copacabana have been now banned between the hours of 6pm and 6am.

Australian athletes have also been ordered to catch taxis instead of walking – no matter the distance. 

Chef De Mission Kitty Chiller says the measures come after further advice from the Australian Federal Police.