An Argentine woman was killed today in a knife attack on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach, a city landmark that will be at the heart of the Olympic Games later this year.
"An Argentine tourist was wounded by assailants. She was given assistance and taken to the Miguel Couto Hospital where she died," Rio police said in a statement.
Two men were arrested and identified as the attackers, police said, noting that the incident happened "in the early hours of the morning."
Globo news site said the slain tourist was 25 years old and had been on the beach with two friends when the men approached, asking for cigarettes, and then tried to rob them.
When the women ran, they were chased and one was killed after reaching the seafront esplanade, according to the report.
Although locals often advise against spending time in isolated spots in the city late at night, Copacabana beach is a world famous tourist attraction and the attack took place just across the road from several large hotels.
This August, the sweeping beach will host beach volleyball and open-water swimming events.
Globo meanwhile reported that a 62-year-old Rio university professor was also knifed to death on Monday while walking his pet dog.
