The state-run National News Agency reported “the collapse of an old building” in Tripoli’s Bab al-Tabbaneh neighbourhood, the poorest in the impoverished city, adding that security staff evacuated adjacent buildings fearing further collapses.

“Eight people have been rescued so far while five victims have been recovered, including a child and an elderly woman,” it said.

Civil defence chief Imad Khreish told local media that the building consisted of two blocks, each containing six flats.

Local media showed images of residents and rescuers trying to remove debris with basic equipment and their bare hands.

It came after another deadly building collapse in Tripoli late last month.