Aircraft containing Irish citizens leaves Tripoli airport

An air corps aircraft has left Tripoli airport tonight, carrying Irish citizens who have been trying to flee the violence in Libya.

It has not been established how many passengers are on board, but it is known that more than 70 Irish citizens are hoping to be evacuated from the country.

The International Federation for Human Rights said it believes at least 640 people have been killed so far, as protests continue to try and bring an end to Colonel Gadaffi's 41- year regime.