Ivory Coast conflict: UN forces join Abidjan fighting

French and UN helicopters have fired on military camps operated by Ivory Coast incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo, in an effort to halt attacks on civilians.

The presidential palace was also hit in the helicopter attacks, witnesses said.

The strikes came as fighters backing Mr Gbagbo's rival Alassane Ouattara stepped up their attempts to take control of the main city, Abidjan.

Andrew Harding reports.