Police in Brazil arrest 10 members of suspected terror cell before Rio Olympics

Federal police in Brazil have arrested 10 members of a suspected terrorist cell just over a fortnight out from the start of the Rio Olympics.

While no specific target or threat had been made, officials decided to act after monitoring phone, email and social media activity over a number of weeks.

The group are believed to have tried to purchase weapons and had reportedly tried to make contact with members of Islamic State.

That prompted a pre-emptive strike by police.

Australian athletes and officials have begun to arrive in Brazil.

The games start August 5.