Thousands of Lebanese protest against government in Beirut

A Lebanese protester is sprayed with water during a protest against corruption and rubbish collection problems near the government palace in Beirut August 22, 2015. REUTERS/Jamal Saidi

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese police fired tear gas and water cannon and shot in the air to try to disperse thousands of protesters in Beirut calling on the government to step down for mishandling a dispute which left rubbish uncollected in the streets for weeks.

Police and security forces cordoned off the centre of the capital, around the parliament and government buildings, to thwart the biggest protest in recent months against authorities.