Police have clashed with Palestinian rioters on Temple Mount before the start of Rosh Hashanah.

Stun grenades and tear gas were used to disperse rioters who had barricaded themselves inside the Al Aqsa Mosque overnight, where Israeli police said they were preparing for a riot.

Protesters threw rocks and fireworks, while pipe bombs were later found at the scene. No casualties were reported.

The incident came days after the Israeli government banned two Islamic Movement groups which a spokesperson for the Shin Bet security service said use “verbal violence as well as physical violence” against Jews whenever they enter the Temple Mount site.

Israel Police spokesperson Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld wrote online: “Units on Temple Mount area early morning to prevent riots by Arabs. No injuries. Regular visits continuing.”

Palestinian rioters and the police were also involved in a violent confrontation on Temple Mount in July, while Jewish visitors were marking Tisha b'Av.