LIBYA’S new regime fighters retreated yesterday under fire from Muammar Gaddafi diehards in his hometown Sirte as their leaders backtracked on an announcement that they had captured one of his sons.

Revolutionary forces captured fighters close to Mutassim Gaddafi, one of fugitive leader Muammar Gaddafi’s sons in his father’s home town, but there was no confirmation that he had been captured, a Libyan spokesman said today.

A MAJOR western defence firm was upgrading military equipment for an elite Libyan security brigade just before the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi began, documents show, revealing how the West tried to foster ties with Gaddafi during his final years in power.

Libya's opposition leader has said rebels captured a third son of Gaddafi.

Libyan protesters and security forces battled for control of Tripoli’s city centre overnight, with snipers opening fire and Muammar Gaddafi supporters shooting from speeding vehicles, witnesses have said.