Palmyra's Temple ‘still standing’

Palmyra's ancient Temple of Bel is still standing despite an attempt by Islamic State (IS) militants to blow it up, Syria antiquities chief has said.

He confirmed to the BBC that there was a large explosion within its perimeter but said that the "structure of the temple, its columns and sanctum", are still intact.

However, witnesses are unable to get close enough to assess the damage.

There are reports by local residents that the temple has been destroyed.

Maamoun Abdulkarim, head of the Syrian Department of Antiquities and Museums, said "our information is provisional, but it indicates that any damage done was partial, and the basic structure is still standing".

Last week, IS blew up the Baalshamin temple at the site. However, Abdulkarim says that the explosion at the Temple of Bel was "different" to the "huge quantity of explosives" used to destroy the Baalshamin.

However, he said they would have to wait for pictures to emerge as "witnesses can't get close enough to be sure what damage was done."

The militants seized control of Palmyra in May, sparking fears for the World Heritage site.

The world-famous Greco-Roman ruins are in the desert north-east of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The Temple of Bel is dedicated to the Palmyrene gods and was one of the best preserved parts of the ancient city.