Large explosion rocks Syrian capital Damascus

A large explosion has struck the Syrian capital Damascus sending smoke billowing across the capital's skyline.

Police and witnesses said it was a car bomb which went off near headquarters of the ruling Baath party.

State media are blaming "terrorists" for the explosion, which they say caused casualties.

Ambulances rushed to the scene in the central Mazraa neighbourhood and surrounding roads are reported to have been closed off to traffic.

Those wounded included four children, state TV reportedly said.

The violence comes as the opposition Syrian National Coalition is due to begin a two-day meeting in Egypt to discuss a framework for a possible solution to the Syrian war.

Russia and the Arab League also say they want to broker direct talks between the Syrian government and opposition.

Some 70,000 people have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011, the UN says.