Lottery Probed After Number Shown Before Draw

Serbia's state lottery is facing an investigation after one of the winning numbers appeared on television before being drawn.

During a live broadcast on Tuesday evening the fourth ball drawn was 27, but the programme mistakenly declared the number chosen had been 21.

The station immediately realised its error and added a number 27 graphic to the winning numbers; but the next ball chosen was indeed 21.

The graphics then disappeared from screen but momentarily reappeared as four 27s.

Lottery chief Aleksandar Vulovic said an employee mistakenly typed 21 instead of 27 but he has resigned out of "moral obligation" so an investigation can take place.

Police have seized computers and lottery equipment and said employees can expect to be questioned and undergo a lie-detector test.

"The draw was completely in accordance with the rules and the company abides by the law," the state lottery said in a statement.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic told a news conference: "If there was any criminal activity these people will answer to the law. The path to prison is very short."