Beirut blast sparks violence and widespread protests in Lebanon

Clashes have broken out between protesters and security forces in the Lebanese capital Beirut – amid growing anger over the country’s widespread political corruption and incompetence, in the wake of Tuesday’s devastating explosion.

One group – including former army officers – have tonight stormed the Foreign ministry building, declaring it would become the headquarters for “a revolution”.

Tonight the Prime minister has said an early election is the only way out of the crisis.

Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is in Beirut.