British Olympic chiefs believe no members of Team GB are among the six athletes who have tested positive for a new blood-boosting hormone following fresh tests of samples from the Beijing Games.

The International Olympic Committee last night announced seven samples, relating to six athletes, taken in Beijing had tested positive for CERA, a new version of blood agent EPO.

The British Olympic Association have not been contacted by the IOC and are assuming none of those involved are British - the athletes in question have been notified through their national Olympic committees.

The positive tests show the IOC's decision to re-test 948 samples after a new test for CERA became available has paid off.

Samples given by endurance athletes competing in cycling, rowing, swimming and athletics were mainly targeted.

Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC medical commission, said: "The further analysis of the Beijing samples that we conducted should send a clear message that cheats can never assume that they have avoided detection.

"The vast majority of athletes do not seek an unfair advantage. We intend to do all we can to ensure that they have a fair environment for competition."

Any athlete found guilty of taking CERA faces being banned and stripped of any medals they won.
The Italian Olympic committee have confirmed one of those involved is Italian.

Greece's 2004 Olympic 20 kilometre walking champion, Athanasia Tsoumeleka, admitted earlier this year she had tested positive under the new checks for a sample given two days before the start of the Beijing Games.