Three senior members of Saudi Arabia's royal family, including the king's brother, have been arrested for unexplained reasons, US media report, according to BBC News.

Two of the men were among the kingdom's most influential figures.

The three men reported to have been arrested are the king's younger brother Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, and a royal cousin, Prince Nawaf bin Nayef.

The detentions have been linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Guards arrived at the homes of the royals wearing masks and dressed in black, and searched their homes, the Wall Street Journal says.

If confirmed, this would be a significant move by Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to consolidate his position.

Prince Ahmed bin Abdelaziz is one of the last surviving sons of the country's founder, King Abdelaziz, and widely respected amongst older members of the ruling family.

The other senior prince, Mohammed bin Nayef, was next in line to the throne before he was suddenly replaced three years ago.

There has been no immediate official confirmation or denial of the story published in the US media but palace affairs in Saudi Arabia are often shrouded in secrecy.