Sydney police find missing Sierra Leone athletes

Police in Sydney today discovered six athletes missing from Sierra Leone’s Commonwealth Games team at a house in a beachside suburb, hours after the three men and three women’s permission to stay in Australia ran out.

“Their visas expired at midnight and the athletes have allegedly indicated to police that they wish to make application to stay in Australia,” New South Wales Police said in a statement.

The athletes, who were reported missing from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last week, were to be interviewed by immigration officials.

They are among 14 athletes missing from the war-torn nation’s games team.

The athletes, who were reported missing from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last week, were granted bridging visas which expire on April 13, allowing time for them to make further visa applications.

The athletes were released back into the community, but must check in with immigration officials periodically.

The games ended with a spectacular closing ceremony last night in Melbourne.