Saudi King Salman’s bodyguard shot dead after dispute with friend

The bodyguard of Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has been shot dead by a friend in the coastal city of Jeddah following an argument, police said according to state media.

Royal Guard Major General Abdul-Aziz Al-Faghm was a familiar figure in the kingdom and often seen in photos alongside King Salman at home and on official trips abroad.

Al-Fagham was visiting a friend in the city's Shate' district when he had a row with Mamdouh bin Meshaal al-Ali on Saturday night.

A police statement said Ali left the house in Jeddah to return with a gun with which he opened fire.

He was shot dead after refusing to surrender to police, the statement said. Gen Fagham died of his wounds in hospital. Seven people were injured.

On Sunday, Al-Faghm's funeral was held in the holy city of Mecca while an investigation into the incident continues.

According to Arab News, Al-Faghm had served the Saudi royal family for 15 years, as part of an entourage for the late King Abdullah and then as the personal bodyguard to King Salman.

His death has shocked the kingdom and prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. The Saudi paper Okaz referred to Al-Faghm in a headline as the "Keeper of Kings."