RIYADH, Feb 24: Saudi authorities have arrested nine people following clashes at the Mosque of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in the pilgrimage city of Madina, an official said on Tuesday.

Some pilgrims clashed with worshippers at the mosque but there were no casualties, interior ministry spokesman Mansur Al-Turki told AFP.

He declined to comment on reports on some websites that the clashes were sectarian.

“The security authorities will issue a statement later to clarify what happened, the nationalities of the participants in the fight and their motives, once the investigation is over,” Mr Turki said.

Saudi newspapers have reported that on Friday religious police at a shrine in Madina clashed with pilgrims, who responded by hurling stones at a police station.

Saudi group Human Rights First said religious police had attacked some pilgrims in Madina. They condemned the attack and called on the government to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.—AFP