(Channel 4 News: 1200 PST, February 21, 2011) There are rumours that the ruling regime in Libya is on the brink of collapse and that Gaddafi himself may have fled the country, as the army reportedly opens fire on protesters and key supporters resign.

Why, after 41 years of Gaddafi's reign, have protests escalated so quickly and violently in Libya? Jonathan Rugman reports.