RIYADH: A criminal investigation has been launched after an armed man intercepted a vehicle taking part in a rally in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom’s Public Prosecution said the suspect came out of his car carrying a firearm and aimed it at the driver in a car competing in the AlUla-Neom race.

“The Public Prosecution has ordered the seizure of the firearm and the vehicle used in the crime, and ordered the arrest of the accused pending the case,” a statement issued on the state-run said.

The AlUla-Neom race ran from Tuesday to Saturday and was won by Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi.

Fifty-nine cars, seven motorcycles, seven quads and one truck tackled the even, which was the third stage of the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship.