Photographers have been gathering in increasing numbers around the Cesena, Italy hospital where Owensboro native Nicky Hayden is being treated following a bicycle accident last Wednesday.

Express.co.uk has reported information gathered by German publication Speed Week that said that paparazzi had been trying to get pictures of the MotoGP champ in his bed.

The British website also reports that photographers have actually been getting into the hospital.

So now, Italian police have put Bufalini Hospital on lockdown.

Earlier Sunday, Nicky's family lawyer issued the following statement:

"We thank the many sportspeople and ordinary people who are proving a great closeness at this dramatic moment. In particular we thank the medical and first aid staff who have worked and are working on Nicky."

Nicky's condition remains unchanged.

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