HE was grubby, dishevelled and appeared compliant. Those who loved or hated Saddam Hussein could not believe that the man who for decades terrorised his people and neighbours could surrender to US troops without even firing a shot.

The news of the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was greeted by dancing in the streets and celebratory gunfire by the people of Baghdad, according to reports.

American forces captured a bearded Saddam Hussein, hiding in a hole in a farmhouse cellar near his hometown of Tikrit, the US military announced today.

Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown of Tikrit, a member of the US-appointed Governing Council said.

Reports are coming in that Saddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq.