An investigation into the deadly Beirut blast which killed more than 200 people has resumed in Lebanon after more than a year of delays.

The investigation reopened on Monday, judicial sources told Reuters. This was also reported by Lebanese media outlets.

The blast occurred at Beirut Port after a large stockpile of ammonium nitrate caught fire, killing at least 215 people and destroying many parts of the capital in August 2020.

Families of the victims clashed with police outside of the Palais de Justice this month, protesting over delays to the investigation.

"Judge Tarek Bitar has decided to resume his investigation," a judicial source told AFP. He said he had ordered the release of five detained suspects while charging eight others, including two high-ranking security officials.