Protesters against the pulling up garbage in Beirut have set tents outside the government premises as a step to escalate their anger into a sit-in.

The step followed clashes between the protesters and police who used water cannons and tear gas to disperse them.

Eighteen people were wounded in the clashes.

A coordinator of the protest told local media that the protesters will stay in the site until detained activists are released.

Earlier today, opposition parties and public figures called on the government to step down over the garbage crisis.