Muammar Gaddafi was captured and possibly killed when revolutionary forces overwhelmed his home town, Sirte, transitional government officials said today.

A spokesman for Libya's National Transitional Council has told Sky News that deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has been killed, and that his body is currently being transported from Sirte.

Libyan rebels have pledged to launch an assault within days on Muammar Gaddafi’s home town, the ousted strongman’s last major bastion of support.

Libya’s warring sides in the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte are now engaged in “discussions”, according to Nato.

LIBYA’S rebels have said their war against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime had entered a “decisive phase” and that victory was within reach by the end of August.