Rebels have breached Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli, one of the few areas still under the Libyan leader's control, witnesses say.

Heavily-armed fighters had earlier streamed into the capital in dozens of pick-up trucks to attack the compound.

TV footage showed smoke rising from buildings across the city, and the sound of shelling could be heard.

Col Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam appeared in Tripoli overnight, hours after rebels said he had been captured.

A rebel leader said his appearance was embarrassing, but would not stop their advance.