Greece's conservative New Democracy party has admitted defeat to Alexis Tsipras's left-wing Syriza in the nation's fifth election in six years.

The concession came as Syriza was given a lead of 35% to New Democracy's 28% with a third of votes counted, interior ministry data showed.

This is likely to leave Syriza just short of an absolute majority, and the party would need partners.

The snap election was called after Syriza lost its majority in August.

This followed the signing of an unpopular new financial bailout deal with international creditors.

New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis said: "The electoral result appears to be concluding with Syriza and Mr Tsipras in the lead.

"I congratulate him and urge him to create the government which is needed."at the

Syriza supporters at the party's main electoral HQ in Athens earlier cheered and clapped as exit polls were announced.

Mr Tsipras was hugged by party supporters as he arrived there.

He later said there was "hard work and struggle" ahead for the Greek people.

Following the exit polls, Syriza member and ex-energy minister Panos Skourletis said on local TV: "It is the first time a party has brought in a tough bailout deal and is rewarded. Until now, the electorate was clearly anti-bailout."

One projection on the current vote count gives Syriza 144 seats in the 300-seat parliament, with New Democracy on 75. This is only five fewer than Mr Tsipras's thumping victory in January's election, but again leaves him just short of an absolute majority.