The trappings of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime crumbled tonight as hundreds of Libyan rebels overran a major military base defending the capital and raced to the outskirts of Tripoli with virtually no resistance.

Rebels clashed with regime loyalists and staged large anti-government protests around Tripoli today.

The Libyan government has denied rebel reports that Muammar Gaddafi's youngest son was killed in a Nato air strike on a front-line town in western Libya.

Muammar Gaddafi’s youngest son has been killed in a Nato air strike, according to unconfirmed reports received by Libyan rebels.

Libyan protesters and security forces battled for control of Tripoli’s city centre overnight, with snipers opening fire and Muammar Gaddafi supporters shooting from speeding vehicles, witnesses have said.