Two people were shot dead in Beirut today during protests against power cuts that turned violent after the army moved in to break up the demonstrations by pro-Syrian opposition activists.

Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tyres following the killing of an activist from the opposition Amal movement, raising tensions in a country suffering a deep political crisis.

A second person was shot and 14 were wounded in ensuing violence, security sources said.

The protesters used blazing tyres to block several main roads, including the airport highway. Heavy gunfire was heard and gunmen were seen in nearby Shi'ite and Christian streets.

Amal then called on its followers to halt the protests, which spread after the activist was shot dead. The army had fired into the air, but it was not clear who had shot the Amal member.