Manama: The Special Forces for the security of the Grand Mosque in Makkah have denied reports of an incident next to Kaaba, the sacred site towards which Muslims orient themselves during the five daily prayers.

A picture showing blood on the marble tiles near the Kaaba circulated on social media on Saturday. The social media post claimed that the photo was from an incident that occurred in front of Kaaba.

However, Sameh Al Selmi, the spokesperson for the Special Forces, said that the picture was not recent.

“It is an old picture and it was taken after an African pilgrim in his 50s was injured to his leg after he slipped as large crowds were circumambulating the Kaaba,” he said, as quoted by Saudi news site Sabq.

“The injured pilgrim was given first aid treatment on the spot before he was taken to the nearby Ajyah Hospital,” he said.

Social media users said they were shocked that some people “had time to invent stories and launch rumours that would not survive minutes since they would be denied by those with the correct information.”

“There is a strange world out there that is not obviously pleased with the serenity prevailing in Saudi Arabia,” Hassan Al Muhawesh posted. “They are so intent on causing uneasiness and trouble and do want to see other people live in peace.”