Human bomb 'threatens to blow up HSBC bank'

A man appearing to have explosives strapped around his waist entered a British bank in the Lebanese capital, threatening to blow it up.

Lebanese security forces have sealed off the area surrounding the HSBC bank in Hamra Street, a few hundred yards from Beirut's downtown district.

The officials say witnesses outside the bank saw the man enter with what appeared to be explosives strapped around his waist.