Security services have detained a Saudi national on suspicion of shooting dead two policemen and wounding two others in separate attacks in Riyadh on Wednesday and in March, according to the Interior Ministry.

Police found the weapon and car used for the shootings at the home of the suspect, Rami Abdullah Thulab Al-Shammari, according to a ministry statement, cited by SPA.

Three other Saudi citizens and two Yemenis, one of whom was living in the Kingdom illegally, have also been detained on suspicion of trying to help Shammari flee the country.

He was detained in Jazan province, the Interior Ministry said.

Sources said that extensive efforts were made during the past two weeks to hunt down the assailants who targeted policemen inside and outside Riyadh.

Their efforts resulted in the arrest of a number of criminals.

Among them were the suspects who targeted the policemen in Riyadh, said the sources.