Reports from the Comoros Islands say that fighting has broken out on the breakaway island of Anjouan between supporters of the island's leader, Foundi Abdallah Ibrahim, and those of his rival, Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Hazi.

A correspondent for the BBC on the island says shooting started early this morning, and was still going on two hours later.

There are no reports so far of casualties.

Radio stations on Anjouan have been broadcasting appeals for calm.

On Sunday, supporters of Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Hazi -- who's a former senior army officer -- attempted to oust Mr Ibrahim.