Coup attempt in Ivory Coast

Soldiers loyal to the newly elected president in Ivory Coast have been fighting to put down an apparent coup attempt by unidentified rebel forces.

A battle took place all night in the centre of the main city, Abidjan.

Reports from the city say the fighting has been concentrated around the television and radio station buildings.

Television has gone off the air but rebel broadcasts continued from the radio station throughout the night.

However, latest reports quote eyewitnesses as saying government forces had retaken the radio station.

The number of casualties is not known.

Gunfire was also reported earlier near the home of President Laurent Gbagbo , but he's believed to be away from Abidjan.

Mr Gbagbo came to office three months ago following elections and a popular uprising which saw the former military ruler, General Robert Guei, swept from power. There's been repeated speculation that General Guei is trying to stage a comeback.

There have also been clashes recently between supporters of President Gbagbo and his main rival, Alassane Ouattara.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service