UK Athletics have confirmed that Kieren Kelly and Jamie Stevenson have been provisionally suspended from all competition after being charged by UK Anti-Doping with violating anti-doping rules.

The provisional suspension, which begins with immediate effect, follows the refusal of both athletes to undertake an out-of-competition test on January 9.

The pair will now have the opportunity to respond to the charge, including the right to a full hearing of the case. If found guilty, they could face a two-year ban.

Kelly, 23, competes in the shot put and finished first in the Indoor Championships of Ireland in Belfast at the weekend, just ahead of Stevenson.