The International Skating Union (ISU) has launched an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding a toy missile during a Grand Prix figure skating event in China.
Television footage from Saturday's Cup of China showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing in the 'kiss and cry' area with a large toy resembling a ballistic missile labelled 'DF-61'. The toy was briefly held by the skaters and a coach before being placed across Xing's lap.
The DF-61 is a Chinese-made intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, first unveiled at a military parade last month.
The ISU said in a statement that it was aware of the 'inappropriate soft toy' which appeared to have been thrown onto the ice by spectators, and that it regretted the incident and would investigate further.
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates.
