Israeli Jew killed by guard near Western Wall Published duration 21 June 2013

media caption Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld explains what is known about the incident

An Israeli Jew has been shot dead near Jerusalem's Western Wall after a guard mistook him for a Palestinian militant, police say.

Gunfire was heard on Friday morning at the wall - one of Judaism's holiest sites where hundreds of worshippers were attending prayers at the time.

Police say the guard shot the man after hearing him shout "Allahu Akbar".

The area, which is patrolled by armed guards, closed to visitors for about an hour but has now reopened.

The incident took place at about 07:40 local time (04:40 GMT) as the man emerged from a public toilet at the wall compound.

A police spokesman said the guard drew his weapon and fired a number of shots at the man after hearing him shout "Allahu Akbar" (God is great, in Arabic).

The man had his hands in his pockets at the time he was approached by the guard, the spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld, said.

The Western Wall is part of the Temple Mount (known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif). It is venerated by Jews as a remnant from the complex which housed the Jewish temple until 70AD.

Jews go to the Western Wall to pray and leave prayers on pieces of paper between its ancient stones.