Blair bodyguard in security scare

Tony Blair is now a Middle East envoy

One of Tony Blair's bodyguards accidentally fired his handgun at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport, the BBC has been told.

It is understood he was unloading his gun outside the terminal building before travel on Tuesday when he fired a shot.

No-one was hurt but airport security guards and police rushed to the scene.

Ex-UK PM Mr Blair, now envoy for the Quartet of Middle East mediators, was preparing to leave Israel at the time.

A spokesman for Mr Blair said he was "nowhere near the incident and was unaware it had happened".

The Israeli Aviation Authority told the BBC it happened on Tuesday afternoon.

It is not the first security scare Mr Blair's presence has prompted in Israel.

In May, Israeli fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a jet carrying Mr Blair, after its crew failed to identify themselves.

As an envoy for the Middle East diplomatic quartet - made up of the US, UN, EU and Russia - he is a frequent visitor to Israel.

Mr Blair was appointed to the role after stepping down as British prime minister in June 2007.