A large blast has hit the Lebanese capital, Beirut, ahead of the verdict in a trial for the killing of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Reports say the explosion was near the offices of the Daily Star newspaper.
Video showed a large mushroom cloud and extensive damage.

A UN tribunal is due to issue its verdict in the trial in absentia of four suspects in the murder by car bomb of Mr Hariri.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah group has consistently denied any role in his death.

Source: BBCNews