Gaddafi building flattened as western forces attack Libya

A missile has destroyed a building in Muammar Gaddafi's Tripoli residence as the Western Coalition declared a new ceasefire "false."

The building, which was about 50 metres from the tent where Gaddafi generally meets guests, was flattened.

The administrative structure was hit by a missile, official Libyan spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told journalists who were taken to the site by bus.

Tripoli was rocked by powerful explosions early this morning, of which one was heard coming from the area around Gaddafi's residence.

Smoke billowed from the residence and barracks at Bab el-Aziziya in the south of the Libyan capital as anti aircraft guns fired shots.

Earlier this morning, Libyan government officials called for an immediate ceasefire.

However, US President Barack Obama's national security aide Tom Donilon said the ceasefire "isn't true" or has been "immediately violated."

Gaddafi's army announced the new ceasefire, saying it was heeding an African Union call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.