Team GB drop out of men's 4x100m freestyle relay

Great Britain have crashed out of the men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Team GB could only manage a sixth place finish in their heat with a time of 3:17.08, two clear seconds behind the slowest qualifiers Italy.

France emerged victorious in the first heat with a time of 3:13.38, edging out second-placed South Africa, who also made the finals.

Australia, who took gold in the women's equivalent last night, turned in the fastest time during the heats with a 3:12.29 finish. The United States were close behind with a time of 3:12.59.

The men's 4x100m freestyle relay final takes place this evening at 9.00pm.