Soldier dies after Rio shooting

A Brazilian soldier injured when his Olympic security detail strayed into a favela in Rio has died of his injuries.

Helio Vieira was one of three officers hurt in the incident in Rio's north on Wednesday.

Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes announced Vieira's death on Friday and described the attack as cowardly.

"Soldier Vieira is a real hero of our country," he said on his Facebook page.

The two other officers were injured but not seriously hurt.

It was understood their marked Forca Nacional (national force) vehicle was sprayed with bullets when it accidentally strayed into the crime-ridden slum.

Vieira, who was driving, was shot in the head.

Acting President Michel Temer has declared Friday to be an official day of mourning in memory of Vieira.