Tunisia's Prime Minister has said that he will dissolve the Islamist-led government and form a national unity administration, following the killing of secular opposition leader Shokri Belaid in front of his home, Al Jazeera reported.

Hamadi Jebali announced during a speech to the nation on Wednesday, Feb 6, that he will form a cabinet of technocrats to run the country until elections are held.

"After the failure of negotiations between parties on a cabinet reshuffle, I decided to form a small technocrat government," Jebali said.

He said the ministers would not run for office but elections would subsequently be held as soon as possible.

Belaid, leader of the left-leaning Democratic Patriots party, was killed on Wednesday as he was leaving his home. He was transported to a hospital in the suburbs of Tunis where he died of his wounds, his brother confirmed.

Following news of Belaid's death, violence and protests broke out on the streets of Tunis. Clashes were reported, between Belaid's supporters and police along the main Habib Borguiba Avenue, with the police using tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters and making numerous arrests.