A number of flag-waving Libyans resident in Malta have gathered outside the Libyan embassy in a celebratory mood after reports that former leader Muammar Gaddafi was captured by NTC forces in Sirte and may have died of injuries. His son Mutassim Gaddafi was reportedly also captured but there are conflicting reports of whether he is dead or alive.

AFP this afternooon issued a mobile phone picture which appears to show an injured Col Gaddafi being captured. (See separate story)

The Libyan ambassador to Malta, Saddun Suayeh, who was at the Foreign Ministry at a pre-scheduled meeting of ambassadors from the Mediterranean region, said he had no confirmation yet that Gaddafi had been captured or killed but it was clear that Sirte and Bin Walid - Gaddafi's last bastions - had been liberated.

The ambassador later went to the ambassador to greet those who were celebrating. They were all asked to go into the embassy.

Meanwhile, wild celebrations have broken out throughout Libya with shots being fired in the air. Libya's new leaders are expected to address a huge crowd which has gathered in Martyrs square (the former Green Square) in Tripoli later this afternoon.

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