Reports claim Saddam may be dead

Speculation is increasing that Saddam Hussein may be dead.

Egyptian security sources claim the Iraqi dictator has not been seen since a New Year's Day parade when he was shown on Iraqi TV firing his gun into the air.

Reports say he was taking the salute from his military when he collapsed.

Ananova was one of the news sites to run claims from Iraqi opposition leaders that Saddam had been rushed to hospital after suffering a "severe stroke".

Sky News is now quoting sources in Baghdad as saying that while all is quiet on the streets of the Iraqi capital there has been increased troop movement around Saddam's presidential palace.

It is almost impossible to confirm reports about Saddam's health from official Iraqi sources but the rumours will be fuelled if he fails to appear for Iraq's Army Day on Friday.

The president usually makes a public appearance to celebrate the country's military power.

The opposition group the Supreme Council for Revolution in Iraq say thay have no further news of Saddam's health.

If reports of Saddam's death prove to be true, his likely successor would be his eldest son Uday who survived an assassination attempt four years ago.