Saudi King Salman has cut short a holiday on the French Riviera where the closure of a beach for his security caused widespread upset.

After only eight days of what was planned as a three-week stay, the king flew on to Morocco, officials said.

With him were at least half of his 1,000-strong entourage, regional official Philippe Castanet added.

He told AFP news agency that the beach would reopen to the public this morning.

More than 100,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the public Mirandole beach at Vallauris which French officials had agreed to seal off for the monarch’s security.

A Saudi source quoted by Reuters said the king’s departure was part of his holiday programme and not connected to the media coverage the visit had attracted.

• Uncategorized