RIYADH – Fears that an armed coup was underway in Saudi’s palace have beendismissed as a drone which got too close to the gates.

Videos had been posted on social media which claimed to be of heavy gunfireoutside the palace in Rihayd, although these now appear to be false.

Wall Street journalist Margherita Stancati, who reports from Saudi Arabia,tweeted: ‘No coup attempt in Riyadh. A toy drone/plane got too close toothe King’s palace and was shot down.’

Footage was posted online which claimed to be of a coup attempt near Rihayd

The tweet by a Wall Street Journalist dispelling rumours of a coup near theSaudi Arabian palace

She added that it was unclear whether the drone or toy plane represented athreat or not.

It was also claimed that the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman had beenevacuated to a nearby bunker at a military base for his safety, althoughthis too appears to be false.

Twitter was full of rumours, claiming that the footage proved there was anongoing coup.

Reporter Daniel Medina tweeted: ‘BREAKING: A number of journalists inRiyadh are reporting heavy fire outside palace compound. Crown PrinceMohammad bin Salman, per these sources, has been evacuated to a bunkerinside a military base in the city. Information coming in is still fluid,remains unconfirmed.’

thayyib tweeted: ‘BREAKING: Coup underway at Royal Palace in #Riyadh, SaudiArabia. AP has reported that Royal Saudi Land Forces (KSA) LieutenantGeneral Allukas Nepils is leading the military push to oust King Salman.’

Other social media users were quick to urge others not to believe therumours