Please, please, not again
Late-breaking news, and in the context of the Syrian civil war, this is very bad news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20006389
Lebanon blast: Car bombing in Beirut kills eight
The aftermath of the explosion in Beirut
A huge car bomb has killed at least eight people and injured 78 in Beirut, Lebanese state media report.
The explosion occurred in Sassine Square, a busy part of the mainly Christian district of Ashrafiya in the centre of the capital.
Ambulances have been seen rushing to square. Witnesses say the blast was heard several kilometres away.
The intended target is unclear. Tensions in Lebanon have been rising as a result of the conflict in Syria.
Friday's attack is the first major car bomb attack in Beirut for four years.
It occurred about 200m (650ft) from the headquarters of the Kataeb, better known as the Phalange, a Maronite Christian group.
The general secretariat of the Western-backed 14 March coalition of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is also based there.
Several cars were set on fire as a result of the blast. TV footage showed considerable damage to buildings.
A nearby hospital is calling for people to donate blood to help treat the wounded.