A huge queue has formed through downtown Singapore as thousands wait to pay tribute to late statesman Lee Kuan Yew lying in state in parliament.

As of 15:00 local time (07:00 BST), the waiting time was eight hours.

Officials are discouraging people from joining the queue but said the viewing will now be open 24 hours.

Mr Lee, who died on Monday aged 91, was Singapore's prime minister for 31 years and is seen as its founding father. His funeral is on Sunday.

Singapore is observing a week of mourning for his death. The viewing will end on Saturday night and his body will be moved the next day to a cultural centre for the funeral.

Officials said in a statement they were taken aback by the "overwhelming response" from the public. The viewing was meant to end at 20:00 local time but has since been extended twice.

The city's underground train network, the MRT, will also run 24 hours on Wednesday. Many organisations and businesses are giving employees time off to pay their respects.

(BBC)