A referee at the Asian Games in Incheon has died due to a suspected heart attack, according to South Korean police.

The games official, whose name has not been released, woke up early on Friday morning complaining of chest pain and called out to a colleague for help, Moon Jun-kyu of Incheon police said.

The victim’s family said he had high blood pressure, Moon added, officials confirming the referee was dead on arrival at hospital.

Games organisers said he had been due to mediate in athletics road races such as marathons and race walks.
 
 The athletics events at the 17th Asiad begin on Saturday.

Referee dies of suspected heart attack at Asian Games