Gaddafi in new call to 'destroy' rebels

Muammar Gaddafi has called on Libyans to "destroy" the rebels who have overtaken Tripoli and forced his regime into hiding.

The appeal comes as intense fighting has erupted in the Libyan capital.

The toppled dictator leader made the plea today in a brief audio statement broadcast on Al-Arabiya and other Arab stations.

Fierce fighting broke out between about 1,000 rebels surrounding two buildings filled with Gaddafi loyalists in the neighbourhood next to the Libyan leader's captured compound.

Reporters on the scene said rebels were hammering the buildings with heavy gunfire and a huge explosion from the battle scene sent a large plume of white smoke.

Mahmoud Bakoush, a rebel commander at the site, says there are rumours that one of Gaddafi's sons might be in the buildings, but they are unconfirmed.