Beirut: Clashes Over Rubbish-Disposal Crisis

Clashes between security forces and protesters have continued for a second night in Beirut as Lebanon's prime minister has threatened to resign.

Buildings were set ablaze as thousands of demonstrators fought pitched battles in the street with Lebanese Army troops which left 44 people and 30 police officers injured.

The protests have been prompted by the 'You Stink' campaign over allegations of government corruption and a failure to tackle the city's ongoing waste-disposal crisis.

A tree next to a church was set ablaze, road signs were pulled from the ground, and shop fronts smashed.

A leader in the campaign said "infiltrators" were behind the violence.

"We started peacefully, and we will continue peacefully," Hassan Shams told New TV.

Samer Abdullah, a 39-year-old activist, said: "People went out because they don't have power or electricity. They have a million problems, and the garbage problem is the tipping point."

Police used water cannon and teargas to disperse demonstrators that massed near Prime Minister Tammam Salam's offices after he warned during a televised address that the country was heading towards collapse.

The violence came hours after Mr Salam hinted he might step down following violent protests on Saturday that injured more than 100 people.

Mr Salam, 70, has recently expressed frustration at the failings of his government, which brings together the main Lebanese parties, including the Sunni-led Future Movement of Saad al Hariri, Shi'ite Hezbollah and rival Christian parties.

"I warn that we are going towards collapse if matters continue," he said in his address earlier in the day.

"Frankly, I have not and will not be a partner in this collapse. Let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities," he added.