Two Armenian track and field coaches for the Guatemalan national athletics team were shot dead in the country's capital near the Mateo Flores Stadium, local police said.

The two coaches, Manvel Maloyan, 60, and his son, David, 30, were shot at an intersection after an argument broke out between the Maloyans and a taxi driver over a supposed traffic violation in the early hours of Tuesday, a witness said.

During the argument, a passenger in the taxi pulled out a revolver and shot David in the face. His father ran to his side to try and help him, but was shot as well. Both men were rushed to a hospital, however, died hours later from gunshot wounds.

The perpetrator fled the scene. Police have made sketches of the gunman and a search has begun.

Manvel Maloyan has been coaching the Guatemalan national team for 10 years and his son, David, joined later to help his father.

Guatemala is considered one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. According to official statistics, an average of 16 murders occur daily.