British combat helicopters have carried out their first strikes in Libya, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

RAF Apaches are believed to have hit two targets near the Libyan town of Brega in the latest Nato assault against forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The helicopters took off from HMS Ocean, stationed off the Libyan coast, before carrying out their mission and returning safely to the warship.

A spokesman for the MoD said: "UK Apache Attack Helicopters have taken part in coordinated operations over Libya as part of Nato's Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians under United Nations Security Resolution (UNSR) 1973.

"All of the air craft recovered safely to HMS Ocean. Further details of the operation will released in due course."

The Apaches launched missiles at a radar and checkpoint held by Gaddafi forces, successfully destroying both, according to reports.

French Gazelle helicopters also took part in the operation, launching simultaneous strikes at separate targets, it was reported.

Nato confirmed that attack helicopters had been used for the first time, saying targets including military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces had been hit.

David Cameron announced British Apache helicopters were joining the Libyan offensive on May 27 after thinking "seriously" about their deployment.

They are specifically designed to hunt and destroy tanks and for closer-quarters combat, operating at lower altitudes than the Tornado and Typhoon aircraft already active in Libya