Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is expected to make an announcement on state TV later this afternoon.

According to reports from Tripoli, Col Gaddafi, who has been in power for 42 years, is expected to announce reforms and to devolve power.

Libyan state TV is also showing footage of a flag waving crowd loyal to Col Gaddafi.

His speech will come against the background of reports of massacres in Tripoli and international calls for an investigation into human right violations.

Meanwhile protesters say they control the Eastern part of the country, including border posts to Egypt.

Army units in the harbour city of Tobruk are also said to have switched sides against Col Gaddafi.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.