Coalition military forces were in action for a third consecutive night with reports of fierce anti-aircraft fire followed by explosions near Muammar Gaddafi’s compound in Tripoli.

A referendum on changing the voting system for general elections will take place on May 5 after the British Government overcame stiff resistance from the House of Lords to get the legislation through Parliament.

British supporters of fox-hunting are facing the greatest ever threat to the future of their sport, after MPs voted in favour of a outright ban on hunting with dogs.