Brazilian Jiu Jitsu great Leandro Lo shot in Sao Paulo club

Sao Paulo: One of Brazil's greatest Jiu Jitsu champions of all time, Leandro Lo, has been shot in the head in a nightclub in Sao Paulo, media reports said.

Lo, 33, was at a club in the Saude neighbourhood when he was allegedly shot by an off-duty police officer who is now on the run, the BBC quoted police as saying.

Lo was taken to hospital where he was declared brain dead hours later. His family said his condition is irreversible.

He was one of the most successful Jiu Jitsu athletes of all time, having won the World Championships eight times.

According to a police report quoted by local media, Lo - whose full name is Leandro Lo Pereira do Nascimento - was approached by the off-duty police officer while out with friends at the Clube Sirio -- a sports and social club.

Witnesses said the police officer started making threatening gestures with a glass bottle at the table. Lo then "immobilised" him and told him to go away.

The police officer then allegedly pulled a gun out and shot Lo in the forehead, the police said.

Lo was rushed to hospital, where he was declared brain dead, according to his family lawyer.

An attempted murder investigation has been opened and police are searching for the suspect, police said.

Lo won the World Championships eight times in three different weight classes, an all-time record. (UNI)