Rebel forces were bearing down on Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi’s home town and a key government stronghold, today, setting the stage for a bloody and possibly decisive battle.

France declared Libya’s air space “under control” today after Nato agreed to take command of the no-fly zone.

Western forces have carried out another night of attacks in Libya, including one raid which destroyed a building inside the compound where Colonel Gaddafi lives, but authorities say the dictator is not a target.