3 Apr 2011

Heavy fighting continues in Abidjan

6:11 am on 3 April 2011

Heavy fighting is taking place in Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, for a third day as rival forces battle for power.

Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara have encircled incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.

The BBC reports they are battling for control of the presidential palace and barracks which are still loyal to Mr Gbagbo. The situation inside the city is unclear.

State television station RTI appears to be back under the control of Gbagbo supporters after being briefly seized by their rivals.

Mr Gbagbo's whereabouts are unknown.

Mr Ouattara's forces entered the city on Thursday.

Residents say they are too afraid to leave their homes as the fighting continues.

Earlier, the International Committee of the Red Cross said at least 800 people had died, while the Roman Catholic charity Caritas put the figure at more than 1000.

Mr Ouattara was internationally recognised as president after winning a run-off election in November, but Mr Gbagbo also claimed victory and refused to leave office.

The country's economy has been brought to its knees by the conflict, which has sent global cocoa prices spiralling upwards. Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer.