Jubilant scenes are unfolding on the streets of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, as protests demanding the resignation of President Robert Mugabe have turned to a celebration of the army’s role in ending his grip on power.

BBC correspondents say protesters are hugging soldiers in the crowd and cheering for them.

One man told the BBC the day was “about a new beginning”.

The rally is supported by the army and members of the ruling Zanu-PF party.

War veterans – who until last year were loyal to the president – are also saying Mr Mugabe should quit.

A BBC correspondent in Harare says this is a watershed moment and there can be no return to power for Mr Mugabe.

A man arriving at the rally said: “As Zimbabweans, we are saying to our army: Thank you very much for the peaceful intervention.