The father-in-law of a US Olympic coach has been stabbed to death and his wife seriously injured by a lone knifeman at a Beijing tourist attraction.

Todd Bachman died during the attack in the centre of the Chinese capital as the Games got into full swing.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said his wife Barbara is in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A Chinese tour guide with the couple was also stabbed but she is said to be out of danger.

After the attack in the Drum Tower, the killer jumped to his death from the historic attraction.

He has been named as Tang Yongming, 47, from the eastern city of Hangzhou.

Interpol said the murder appears to be "an isolated, though brutal, murder".


A spokesman said a database check on the killer did not reveal a criminal record or any links with terrorist groups or organized crime.

The victims were not wearing anything that could have linked them to the US Olympic team

American president George W Bush said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

"The United States government has offered to provide any assistance the family needs."

Mr and Mrs Bachman's daughter, Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon, played volleyball for the US women's team at the 2004 Athens Games.

She is married to New Zealander Hugh McCutcheon, coach of the US men's team.

Elisabeth was with her parents at the time of the attack but want not hurt.

A US Embassy spokeswoman said the attack happened shortly after noon.

"We're actively following the situation right now and US Embassy officials are already at the hospital."

She said embassy officials had been dispatched to the Beijing hospital where the female survivors were taken.

Police blocked off streets leading to the scene immediately after the attack and cordoned off the area with yellow tape.

Built in the 13th century, the Drum Tower was used to tell time in imperial China with drummers pounding their instruments to mark the hours.