Holding out under a rain of shelling and sniper fire, rebels in Misrata, their last major foothold in western Libya, fought Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in close-quarter battles in the city centre.

Muammar Gaddafi's forces pounded Misrata - the only western city still in rebel hands - with rocket fire as weary residents who have endured more than a month of fighting lashed out at Nato for failing to halt the deadly assault.

Nato launched new strikes on targets held by Muammar Gaddafi as Libya’s rebel leaders called for a stronger air campaign that would allow them to advance on the dictator’s territory.

LIBYAN rebels pushed further west last night to retake more territory abandoned by Muammar Gaddafi’s retreating forces, which have been weakened by Western air strikes.

FORCES loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi are bringing civilians from nearby towns to the rebel-held city of Misrata to use as human shields, a rebel spokesman said.