Two Britons killed in Saudi coach crash

RIYADH, Dec 9 (Reuters) Two British Muslim pilgrims died and more than 20 were injured when their bus crashed in Saudi Arabia today, British and Saudi sources said.

The bus, heading from Medina to Mecca, hit a road barrier in the early morning after the driver fell asleep at the wheel, Saudi police said.

A British diplomat in Riyadh said the accident happened about 90 km north of Jeddah at Rabegh. The pilgrims were travelling between the Islamic holy cities of Medina and Mecca.

A British Foreign Office official said earlier at least one Briton had died and several were injured.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks for the haj pilgrimage which begins in late December.

Around 125,000 Britons visit Saudi Arabia each year for the Muslim haj and umra pilgrimages in the holy city of Mecca. Another 20,000 British expatriates live there.

The Foreign Office warns visitors of a ''high threat of terrorism'' in Saudi Arabia but does not advise people against travelling there.

Reuters AB GC1722