England’s world champion triple jumper Phillips Idowu became the second high-profile athlete in less than 24 hours to pull out of next month’s Commonwealth Games due to safety and health concerns even as two more compatriots also decided to skip the October 3-14 mega event because of injury.

Australian world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels on Tuesday  pulled out of the controversy-marred Games citing health and security concerns following Sunday’s gun attack on two foreign tourists and the recent outbreak of dengue fever in New Delhi.

Two other high-profile English athletes — Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu and 2006 Melbourne Games gold medallist 1500m runner Lisa Dobriskey — had also withdrawn from the Games though their pull out was not related to security but due to injuries.

31-year-old Idowu, who won gold in 2006 Melbourne Games, said in his Twitter page that he is withdrawing from the event after hearing news of unhygienic conditions (at the Games Village) and collapse of a footbridge near the main venue of the Games.

“I understand people will be disappointed that I will not be competing. I am disappointed. These games mean a lot to me. It’s the champs in which I won my 1st medal. And four years ago won my 1st gold, which kicked off the success I have in my career to date,” said Idowu.