Libyan rebels battled their way back into a major oil port just 30 miles (50km) west of Tripoli today, forcing Muammar Gaddafi’s troops to close the vital coast highway and key supply route from Tunisia.

Libyan government forces have pounded the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Misrata, killing at least 22 people, a hospital physician said today.

Shelling by Libyan government forces has killed at least 22 people near the rebel-held city of Misrata, a hospital doctor there says.