The President of the Central African Republic has fled the capital after the city came under attack from rebels seeking to overthrow him, an adviser said.

Maximin Olouamat said President Francois Bozize left Bangui early yesterday, hours after rebels launched their assault.

Hundreds of armed rebel fighters penetrated the outskirts of town late on Saturday night following threats that they would again take up arms against the Government.

The adviser declined to say where Mr Bozize had gone, but said the rebels had seized the presidential palace in Bangui.

Witnesses reported heavy fighting and gunfire early yesterday as the rebels made their way through town.

The rebels seized towns in December but stopped their advance and signed a peace accord with the Government.

That deal unravelled more than a week ago.