Pistorius family 'standing by' athlete ahead of trial

Oscar Pistorius' uncle Arnold has spoken on behalf the Paralympic athletes' family ahead of his trial, saying they love him, they believe in him and they will be standing by him.

A statement from the family reads: "With less than two days before the commencement of Oscar’s criminal trial, the family as well as the legal team, will not be distracted by extraneous issues that have no bearing on, or relevance to, the legal process that must now be allowed to unfold.

"We will not be commenting on any media reports, nor will we be engaging the press on any issues that belong in court. The time for public commentary is over. The focus is now entirely on a very serious trial that is set to start this Monday.

"We love Oscar, and believe in him, and will be standing by him throughout the coming trial."

Pistorius' trial is expected to begin on Monday.