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Large blast rocks Beirut ahead of Hariri verdict Beirut blast: Explosion rocks city ahead of Hariri verdict
(32 minutes later)
Large blast rocks Lebanese capital Beirut, ahead of verdict in trial over killing of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in 2005 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.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Reports say the explosion was in the port area of the city, with unconfirmed reports of a second blast.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. 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 Rafik Hariri.
All four are members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which has consistently denied any role in Hariri's death.
The possible second explosion was reported to be at the Hariri residence in the city.
Dozens have been injured, AFP news agency reports, quoting a security source.
The latest reports come amid political tension in Lebanon, with street demonstrations against the government's handling the worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.