The riots took off in connection with a demonstration and tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd, which has used various extensions and fired numerous fireworks at riot police.

The Red Cross in Lebanon reports on Twitter that over 160 people have been injured, of whom over 65 have been taken to hospitals.

The country's president Michel Aoun has ordered the army to restore calm.

Invitation via Twitter

Security forces announce that they were confronted in a violent way at Parliament and, via Twitter, urge people to stay away from the area.

Interior Minister Raya el-Hassan writes on Twitter that it is unacceptable for protesters to attack security forces and vandalize private property.

Several other demonstrations

Less violent demonstrations were held elsewhere in Beirut. At one of them, a big banner was issued with the message that "if the people go hungry it will eat their holders of power".

Protests against the political establishment and corruption, lack of community service and religious contradictions have been going on in the country for almost three months. On Thursday, outrageous demonstrations outside the Lebanese central bank in riot gear, as a result of a dissatisfaction with the banks restricting access to many Lebanese's saved assets.