An anti-Syrian MP is among at least eight people killed in an explosion in Beirut's waterfront area.
An anti-Syrian MP is among at least 10 people killed in an explosion in Beirut's waterfront area.
Walid Eido died in the blast, in the mainly Muslim Manara neighbourhood, his party's television station and officials said.
Walid Eido died in the blast, in the mainly Muslim Manara neighbourhood, his party's television station and officials said.
At least 10 other people were wounded, emergency services said.
At least 10 other people were wounded, emergency services said.
Mr Eido is the latest in a series of high-profile anti-Syrian figures killed in Lebanon in the past two years.
Mr Eido is the latest in a series of high-profile anti-Syrian figures killed in Lebanon in the past two years.
The blast comes two weeks after the UN Security Council voted to set up a tribunal to try suspects in the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, killed in a huge blast in Beirut in February 2007.
The blast comes two weeks after the UN Security Council voted to set up a tribunal to try suspects in the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, killed in a huge blast in Beirut in February 2005.
Syria has been accused of involvement in attacks on its opponents in Lebanon, although Damascus has denied any role.
Syria has been accused of involvement in attacks on its opponents in Lebanon, although Damascus has denied any role.
Lebanon's Future TV said Mr Eido was killed along with one of his sons and two of his bodyguards.
Lebanon's Future TV said Mr Eido was killed along with one of his sons and two of his bodyguards.
Mr Eido was a member of the Future Movement of Mr Hariri's son, Saad.
Mr Eido was a member of the Future Movement of Mr Hariri's son, Saad.
The attack was swiftly condemned by Washington, an ally of the anti-Syrian government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.
The attack was swiftly condemned by Washington, an ally of the anti-Syrian government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.
"The United States deplores this latest attack in Beirut that led to the death of a respected Member of Parliament, Walid Eido and his son," national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement.
"The United States deplores this latest attack in Beirut that led to the death of a respected Member of Parliament, Walid Eido and his son," national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement.
Smoke and debris
Smoke and debris
The explosion occurred at 1730 (1430 GMT) in a side street between two popular beach resorts, the Long Beach and the Sporting Club.
The explosion occurred at 1730 (1430 GMT) in a side street between two popular beach resorts, the Long Beach and the Sporting Club.
Mr Eido is the latest anti-Syrian figure to be killed in BeirutTelevision pictures from the scene showed wreckage strewn across a wide area.
Mr Eido is the latest anti-Syrian figure to be killed in BeirutTelevision pictures from the scene showed wreckage strewn across a wide area.
The smouldering, upturned remains of at least one vehicle could be seen amid chunks of debris and shattered glass from surrounding buildings.
The smouldering, upturned remains of at least one vehicle could be seen amid chunks of debris and shattered glass from surrounding buildings.
A large black plume of smoke was visible rising from the site of the blast.
A large black plume of smoke was visible rising from the site of the blast.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut says there was chaos and panic while rescue workers and fire trucks tried to get to the area.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut says there was chaos and panic while rescue workers and fire trucks tried to get to the area.
It is the sixth explosion in just four weeks in Lebanon. Two people were killed in the previous blasts, all caused by bombs.
It is the sixth explosion in just four weeks in Lebanon. Two people were killed in the previous blasts, all caused by bombs.
Are you in the area? Did you see or hear the blast? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
Are you in the area? Did you see or hear the blast? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
