Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi appears on state TV

Col Gaddafi signalled his defiance over a mounting a revolt against his rule

Libya’s leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi, has dismissed reports that he had fled amid the unrest sweeping the country, calling foreign news channels “dogs”.

Speaking to state TV from outside a ruined building, he said: “I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela,” after rumours that he had flown to Caracas.

Col Gaddafi’s statement came after security forces and protesters clashed in the capital for a second night.

The UN Security Council is to meet in closed session to discuss Libya.