Libya: Col Muammar Gaddafi faces second night of air attacks from British, French and American forces

Britain joined a second wave of military action against Libya last night after Col Muammar Gaddafidefied Western forces by launching fresh attacks against rebels. 

The Libyan leader tried to prevent the new air strikes by announcing another ceasefire from 7pm yesterday. But the promise was met with widespread scepticism.

Within 30 minutes anti–aircraft fire resumed in Tripoli while reports emerged of fierce clashes between rebels and pro–Gaddafitroops.

Shortly before 9pm more than 10 jets took off from RAF Marham in Norfolk while a British submarine stationed in the Mediterranean launched Tomahawk missiles.

An administrative building in Col Gaddafi's compound was destroyed little more than 50 yards from the tent where the dictator lives.

Plumes of smoke rose across the city. The Americans were said to have taken over the airwaves to warn residents not to interfere with the military operation. Yesterday, an increasingly erratic Col Gaddafiinitially refused to back down after the first round of air strikes from the United Nations–backed allies.