Two powerful explosions, minutes apart, killed at least 27 people and wounded 352 others in Lebanon’s main northern city of Tripoli on Friday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Two powerful explosions, minutes apart, killed at least 27 people and wounded 352 others in Lebanon's main northern city of Tripoli on Friday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The first blast rocked the city centre before al-Taqwa mosque near the home of outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati, although his office said he was not in Tripoli at the time.

The second struck before as-Salam mosque near the port of the restive city, close to the home of former police chief Ashraf Rifi, a security source said.