A car bomb exploded near the Egyptian embassy in Libya's capital Tripoli early Thursday, state news agency MENA reported.

The blast did not cause any casualties. However, some nearby buildings saw some damage as a result.

Security forces placed a cordon around the area, while fire engines arrived to put down flames rising from the car.

There were no immediate details of whether the embassy was the target of the bomb or whether any staff were in the building.

The blast followed a series of car bombs on Wednesday mainly in towns under the control of the internationally recognised government, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, which is facing a challenge from a rival government set up in Tripoli.

Egypt has been concerned over a possible spill out of violence from neighbouring Libya, especially over militants crossing the border.