In pictures: Hajj climax

Saudi authorities have stepped up controls on millions of Muslims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, a day after 14 people were crushed to death in a stampede.

Around two million pilgrims took part on Wednesday in the ritual stoning of pillars representing Satan at Mina, near Mecca

Police have stepped up security at the Hajj, or pilgrimage, after 14 people were crushed to death on Tuesday

The stoning of the pillars, which symbolises the rejection of earthly temptations, will be repeated on Thursday

Even without stampedes, the heat and crowds can prove too much for many

Police have 300 cameras trained on the crowds in an attempt to keep them under control

All Muslims are supposed to make the pilgrimage once in their lifetime