South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, known as the "Blade Runner" for his racing prosthetics, seen here training at the London 2012 games.

The athlete was arrested on Thursday after his girlfriend was shot dead at his home in Pretoria.

He has been charged with murder and remains in custody.

Model Reeva Steenkamp was reported to have been dating Pistorius for a year.

Pistorius, who races wearing carbon fibre prosthetic blades after he was born without a fibula in both legs, was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the 400 metre semi-finals in London 2012.

Police revealed this was not the first time they had been called to the athlete's home.

He is due to appear in court again on Friday.