UK ATHLETICS has today announced that Welsh 800m athlete Gareth Warburton has been provisionally suspended from all competition after being charged with committing anti-doping rule violations under UK Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (presence of prohibited substances).

The statement reads: "The athlete has the opportunity to respond to the charges against him, and to have those charges determined at a full hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel.

"UK Anti-Doping is the national anti-doping organisation for the UK and has responsibility for the management of results and prosecution of disciplinary proceedings brought under the anti-doping rules of UK Athletics.

"UK Athletics and UK Anti-Doping will not be making any further comment."

Warburton, aged 31, was fourth at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and was due to run for Wales at next week's Games in Glasgow.

Welsh Athletics issued the foollowing statement: "Welsh Athletics can confirm the provisional suspension of athlete Gareth Warburton after being charged with committing anti-doping rule violations under UK Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (presence of prohibited substances).

"Gareth has the opportunity to respond to the charges against him, and to have those charges determined at a full hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel.

"Welsh Athletics strongly supports clean sport and has established a comprehensive education programme for its athletes. 

"Welsh Athletics will not be making any further comment."

The news is another big blow to Team Wales ahead of Glasgow 2014 after double world champion cyclist Becky James and world champion triathletes Non Stanford and Helen Jenkins all withdrew due to injury.