Libyan authorities are seeking clarification from a militia-run prison holding the son of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi as to why he missed a court hearing in the capital Tripoli.

The son of Libya’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi has appeared in court on charges of harming state security, but the judge adjourned his hearing until September 19 to allow his defence lawyers more time.

Muammar Gaddafi’s son and former heir apparent Saif al-Islam will be put on trial inside Libya and there will be a verdict before mid-June, a Libyan official said.

Muammar Gaddfi’s son Saif al-Islam – the only member of the ruling family to remain at large – was captured as he travelled with aides in a convoy in Libya’s southern desert, officials said today.

A gun battle erupted today between hundreds of revolutionary forces and Muammar Gaddafi supporters in the capital for the first time in more than two months.