Liam Fox heads to US for Libya talks

Defence Secretary Liam Fox is heading to the US for talks on the military campaign in Libya, it was revealed today.

Dr Fox will meet his counterpart Robert Gates, while Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards is also due to speak to his opposite number.

The discussions are expected to focus on the best way of stepping up Nato attacks on Muammar Gaddafi's forces, after the US decided to bring its unmanned Predator drones into play.

The Ministry of Defence disclosed details of the trip as an air strike damaged buildings in the dictator's Tripoli compound.

At least two powerful missiles hit the area early this morning, briefly taking three television stations off the air.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting has been continuing around Misrata, with Gaddafi's troops bombarding the western city with mortar fire.

Bloody clashes over the weekend are reported to have left more than 30 dead and dozens wounded.

The latest shelling hit a residential area and killed 10 people, including five members of one family, according to a local doctor.