A mentally ill Gulf national wreaked havoc among pilgrims in Makkah after he attacked two Asian pilgrims living in Ajyad with a knife, security sources said.

One of his victims sustained deep wounds and has been hospitalized.

Police rushed to the area after receiving word that someone was stabbed in front of a hotel in the city.

Police then overpowered the man, who was holding the knife at the time, receiving the applause of hotel residents. Police are questioning the man to determine the motive behind the attack.

“The two victims have been taken to hospital and their condition is stable,” said Lt. Col. Aati Al-Qurashi, Makkah police spokesman.

Meanwhile, police have arrested four Arab children aged between 10 and 17 for allegedly stealing cell phones from pilgrims.

“Criminal investigation officers arrested the four children and handed them over to police,” a source said on Wednesday.