There has been heavy fighting between rival militias near the airport of the Libyan capital Tripoli.

Explosions and gunfire were heard early on Sunday along the airport road and in other parts of the city.

All flights to and from the airport have now been suspended

Authorities had said on Saturday that the airport was going to be handed back into government control. Zintan militiamen have controlled the airport for the last three years.

Local residents said that those attacking were from the western city of Misratis.

Libya has seen fierce fighting between rival militias since Gadhafi was ousted in 2011. The government has struggled to control the militias who helped overthrow Gaddafi and now continue to defy state authority.