Israeli police ban Muslim men aged under 50 from Friday prayers in Jerusalem

Israeli police have banned Muslim men under the age of 50 from a contested shrine in Jerusalem.

The ban comes ahead of feared mass protests over the installation of metal detectors aimed at increasing security at the site.

Muslim leaders have called for mass protests at Friday’s noon prayers.

They urged worshippers to pray outside the shrine rather than submit to new security procedures.

The shrine is revered by both Muslims and Jews.

Muslim leaders say Israel is trying to expand its control there by installing the security devices.

Police took the action after Palestinians launched a deadly attack there last week.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said on Friday that reinforcements are being deployed in and around Jerusalem's Old City, where the walled shrine is located.

"Police and border police units mobilised in all areas and neighbourhoods,” he said.