At least five people have been killed after gunfire broke out in Beirut during a protest over the lead judge in the inquiry into last year’s port blast which killed more than 200 people.

Hezbollah and its allies had called for protests against the probe, saying they want Judge Tarek Bitar removed.

There was a large military presence seen on the streets of the Lebanese capital, and gunfire involving snipers, pistols, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades was seen.

At least five people have been killed in the clashes, according to the interior minister.

Mr Bitar is the second judge to lead the inquiry. Hezbollah have accused him of singling out politicians for questioning – most of them allied with the group.

The government in Lebanon is only a few months old, and is already dealing with a number of crises in the country.

The initial cause of the gunfire is unclear, but Hezbollah claimed snipers fired at protesters from rooftops.

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The army said in a statement that gunfire had targeted protesters as they marched down a divide between a Christian and Shia neighbourhood.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for the calm, while the military said it will open fire against any armed people seen on the streets.

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