Lebanese firefighters have been battling to put out a blaze on a Dutch oil tanker in the port at Beirut.

Troops have been sent in to help the fire brigade tackle the flames, which spread over the water because of spilled oil.

A huge cloud of black smoke has been hanging over the port, visible from all over Beirut and the surrounding areas.

The crew of around twenty are reported to have been rescued; one was taken to hospital with burns and breathing problems.

The fire spread to a nearby cattle boat, but that has now been extinguished and officials say no other ships are in danger.