Ali G escapes bullet in hotel 'murder-suicide'

The comedian Ali G has landed many surprise killer blows on unsuspecting talent on his satirical television show, but he could never have expected the sort of near-death experience he had in Israel on Sunday night.

Sacha Baron Cohen – who plays Ali G, a would-be rapper – was almost hit by a stray bullet in a hotel room in the Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv, after an apparent murder-suicide next door.

Cohen heard a noise when a bullet passed through his room, reportedly about 5am on Monday, but went back to sleep, not realising what had happened.

He telephoned hotel security after discovering that there was a bullet hole in his wall and window at about noon yesterday.

Israeli police said the deaths next door to the comedian appeared to be part of a suicide pact that allegedly involved a soldier, 19, and his cousin, 22, who had lost their girlfriends.

The men had checked into the hotel on Sunday night and asked for one of the most expensive suites. They were reported to have left suicide notes and money for burial expenses and were found with an army M-16 rifle.

Cohen was not available for comment, but hotel sources described his demeanour in reacting to the incident as "really cool".