Zimbabwe’s ex-PM returns after Mugabe arrested in ‘military coup’

Zimbabwe's defeated ex-prime minister has returned to the country as politicians eye opportunities for power while President Robert Mugabe is under house arrest.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was made Mugabe's deputy between 2009 and 2013 after he saw a surge in support in elections.

Reports indicate that two other government ministers were returning to Zimbabwe from Russia.

Mugabe, 93, is being detained in the presidential palace, where explosions and gunshots were heard early on Wednesday.

The army said it was holding the president and his wife Grace, but there have also been rumours she had fled to Namibia.

Earlier, African Union leader Alpha Conde, said: "The African Union expresses its serious concern regarding the situation unfolding in Zimbabwe."

He called "on all stakeholders to show responsibility and restraint".

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm, non-violence and restraint.

On Monday, the head of the armed forces had warned that a "purge" of government political figures who had taken part in the 1970s wars of independence had to "stop".

The sacking of the vice president and Mugabe's likely successor Emmerson Mnangagwa last week was seen as clearing the way for Grace Mugabe to take over from her husband, after she won the support of ZANU-PF's youth wing.

The military said it was taking control of the streets, blocking roads to the parliament and court to target "criminals".

The head of the youth wing of Zimbabwe's ruling party appeared on state television on Wednesday night, to apologise to the military.