Ivory Coast's Gbagbo captured

Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo was captured by his opponents today after months of clinging on to power in the wake of a failed election bid.

He was handed over to democratically elected leader Alassane Ouattara following an attack by French forces earlier.

It was the first time that troops from the country’s former colonial ruler were involved in the ground operation against Gbagbo.

The French tanks rolled into Abidjan’s city centre one day after a second aerial bombardment struck his positions around the city.

Forces loyal to Mr Ouattara joined the battle, attacking positions around the state television station and Gbagbo’s home.

Only several hundred yards from Gbagbo’s mansion at least 10 armoured vehicles flying the French flag drove through the area, sending pro-Gbagbo gunmen fleeing.

Two tanks took up a position at a key intersection, while the others advanced toward Gbagbo’s home.

The United Nations backed results showing Gbagbo lost the November presidential election but he refused to acknowledge defeat. The dispute pushed the world's largest cocoa producer to the brink of renewed civil war.

Late last month forces backing Mr Ouattara began an offensive to oust Gbagbo. UN and French forces joined the effort last week to force him from his bunker in Abidjan.