BEIRUT — Two explosions have been heard in Beirut as at least three people were killed and at least twenty one wounded by gunfire, an army source said, during a protest against the judge in the city’s port blast probe.

The Lebanese army has asked the public to evacuate the Tayouna area of the city, and has warned that they will open fire on anyone seen wielding a gun.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for calm, adding in a statement with the army chief that steps are being taken to control the situation.

Images of people running in the street and trying to take cover were broadcast by news channel al-Jadeed.

The protest outside the Justice Palace was called for by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and its allies who are demanding the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar.

A Lebanese court on Thursday dismissed a legal complaint brought against the lead investigator of last year’s Beirut port blast probe, allowing him to resume work, court documents showed. — Agencies