BY the time the outside world agrees on a response to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s bloody onslaught against a popular revolt, it could all be over.

Britain is pressing for an EU emergency summit declaration calling for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to step down, as it emerged that the Libyan leader's security forces detained and repeatedly beat members of a BBC news team.

FORCES loyal to Muammar Gaddafi regained control of the centre of Zawiyah, after using tanks and snipers to drive rebels out of their stronghold in the western city’s main square, residents said.

The international community cannot “stand aside” and allow brutal repression to continue in Libya, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said after discussing plans for the “full spectrum of possible responses” including a no-fly zone with US President Barack Obama.

THE closest rebel-held city to the Libyan capital has fallen to Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.

The closest rebel-held city to the Libyan capital has fallen to Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.

GOVERNMENT forces struck at rebels in Libya’s east and were reported attacking a town near Tripoli as concern grew over civilian suffering and a growing refugee exodus.

MUAMMAR GADDAFI’S forces battled rebels on several fronts in a worsening of Libya’s crisis and unrest erupted in the capital when gunmen fired to break up crowds shouting “Gaddafi is the enemy of God.”

Armed men opposed to the rule of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi are reported to be in control of the city of Zawiyah.