LONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain stood ready to provide any support it could to help Beirut after a massive explosion in the city's port area killed 25 people and injured more than 2,500.

"The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking," Johnson wrote on Twitter. "All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident.

"The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected."