LONDON- Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday he was shocked by the blast in Beirut and that Britain would continue to focus on the needs of the people of Lebanon.

"I was absolutely apalled and shocked by the scenes from Lebanon, from Beirut," Johnson said. "I am sure that the UK will continue to focus on the needs of the people of Lebanon."

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and William James; editing by Stephen Addison) ((guy.faulconbridge@thomsonreuters.com; 07825218698;))