Anti-aircraft gunfire has rattled the sky over Tripoli overnight. It follows the first attacks on Libyan air defences from western allies enforcing the UN-backed no-fly zone.

First attacks on the Libyan territory by French, British and United States forces

Explosions and machine-gun fire were also heard in the Libyan capital. It came hours after Operation Odyssey Dawn got underway – the biggest international military intervention in the Arab world since the Iraq war.

French planes fired the first shots, reportedly destroying military vehicles in the east.

US officials say more than 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired from British and American ships. They have been aimed at coastal targets and air defence sites.

Reports say British jets have also carried out long-range bombing raids.