Libyan rebels battle Gaddafi loyalists in Misrata

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Gaddafi have mounted strong counter offensives in an attempt to re-take towns controlled by rebels.

Government troops forced their way into the town of Misrata using tanks and artillery but were forced out again after a long battle, residents say.

An opposition spokesman from Misrata, Mohammed Benrasali, told the BBC's Today programme that dozens of people were killed in the fighting.

Pictures, that can not be verified by the BBC, appear to show battles, celebrations and the aftermath of fighting in Misrata.