The Department of Foreign Affairs had warned Irish tourists about the possibility of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Tunisian cities, and on places visited by foreigners such as hotels and shopping centres.

Libyan rebels have taken control of the main border crossing with Tunisia.

Muammar Gaddafi’s forces pushed rebels back from the centre of the strategic city of Zawiya today in fierce fighting to try to prevent the opposition from consolidating a major advance to within 30 miles of the capital Tripoli.