The police are dispelling rumours that thugs have been trying to extort some of the Jamaican Olympians who performed well at the Olympic games staged last month in Beijing, China.

Shortly after their recent success, rumours began to circulate that criminals were trying to extort money from them and their families.

When contacted yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields confirmed that the police have heard the rumours, but noted that there was no evidence to support the claims.

"We've heard the rumours and we actually started to receive such reports shortly after they won medals at the Games.

NO EVIDENCE

"We've contacted them and their close relatives but we have not found any evidence which suggests that they have been extorted," said DCP Shields.

Nevertheless, DCP Shields added that the police have urged the athletes and their families not to hesitate in reporting any incidents of persons trying to extort them.

"So far nobody has made a report to us so this is just a rumour that is circulating," he said.