Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, tripped over baggage today, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed and hundreds injured, despite Saudi attempts to prevent stampedes that have plagued the annual event.

SECURITY forces were desperately hunting yesterday for a US hostage facing death within hours at the hands of terrorists in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities gave safe passage to three al-Qaida gunmen after the they killed 10 of the hostages on the advice of the US, a senior security official said.