Details emerged yesterday about suspected suicide bomber Abdullah Hassan Tali al-Asiri and his attempt to kill a Saudi prince by detonating explosives hidden in his anus to avoid detection. The bomber died last month in the attack in Jeddah but his target, Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef, head of the security service in Saudi Arabia, escaped with minor injuries.

It is now feared the new development could be copied by others. The method of concealment aimed the blast away from the target, while blowing up the bomber. But experts say the incident could have implications for airport security, rendering traditional metal detectors “useless”. Security experts said they have not previously come across a bomber who has concealed explosives in this way.

There is also concern about how wanted al-Qaeda operatives in Saudi Arabia could get so close to the prince in charge of counter-terrorism. It is believed the explosives were detonated by mobile phone.

Al-Qaeda later named the bomber, a wanted militant who had fled to Yemen, and released his photograph together with a statement claiming their responsibility for the attack. “You tyrants … your bastions and fortifications will not prevent us from reaching you. We will come to you soon,” al-Qaeda warned in an internet statement.

Saudi officials said the prince, who is a half brother of Saudi King Abdullah and one of the most powerful members of the royal family, was lightly wounded in the bombing at his home.