The bombing occurred in the early morning hours of the US Fourth of July Independence Day near a US diplomatic site in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

The bomber was apparently headed in a car toward a mosque that is near the US consulate. Most of the consulate's staff are believed to have moved offices to a new location.

The Sabq news website reported two police officers were injured in what appeared to be a failed attempt to hit the consulate.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A 2004 militant attack on the US consulate in Jeddah left nine people dead.

More to come ....