Libya’s leader, Muammar Gaddafi, has dismissed reports that he has fled the country, calling them “malicious rumours” spread by “hating channels”.

Speaking to state TV from outside a ruined building, he asserted: “I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela.”

UK Foreign Minister William Hague had said he had seen information suggesting Col Gaddafi was on his way to Caracas.

Earlier, the new General Committee for Defence said its forces would cleanse Libya of anti-government elements.

(Source: BBC)