One of Libya’s biggest oil refineries the complex of Zawiyah is shut down because of fierce fighting.

Anti-government fighters and residents in Zawiyah said columns of Gaddafi’s tanks were closing in on the main square, where rebels are clinging on despite days of heavy bombardment.

An eastern front has been established on the other side of the capital, with fierce exchanges between Bin Jawad and the oil town Ras Lanuf.

The advance on Gaddafi’s hometown, Sirte, came to an abrupt halt when government tanks and bombers retook Bin Jawad, forcing the rebels into retreat. They headed for Ras Lanuf, which was also bombarded by government forces.