Updated: Confusion over Gaddafi spokesman's capture

Conflicting reports surround the whereabouts of Moussa Ibrahim, who served as the last spokesman for deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The prime minister's office had reported the arrest of Ibrahim just outside of Bani Walid, in a town southwest of the capital Tripoli.

But a government spokesman has since denied that Ibrahim is being held in custody.

Mustafa Abu Shagur, Libya's deputy prime minister, on Saturday posted the following on microblogging site Twitter: "Criminal Moussa Ibrahim was arrested and he is now on his way to Tripoli."

A brief statement sent to journalists after rumours that Ibrahim had been detained spread on social networking sites said: "Moussa Ibrahim was arrested at a checkpoint in the town of Tarhuna.

"[He] is being taken to Tripoli where he will be handed over to the pertinent authorities to begin questioning."

Al Jazeera's Omar al-Saleh, reporting from Tripoli, said that the town of Bani Walid has been the scene of deadly clashes in recent days.

"The town of Bani Walid has been besieged for the last three weeks. Government forces and former rebels are trying to enter the city to capture wanted Gaddafi loyalists," he said.

"The town has a reputation of being a safe haven for Gaddafi loyalists."

At least 26 people have been killed and many others injured in the fighting, according to reports.

Rumours of Ibrahim's arrest and that of other personalities of the former regime said to be fleeing from Bani Walid had swirled since Saturday morning but officials were unable to provide immediate confirmation.

There are also reports that the former leader's youngest son Khamis Gaddafi has been captured or killed in the fighting in Bani Walid.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saturday evening: Moussa Ibrahim, who served as the last spokesman for deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been arrested in a town southwest of the capital Tripoli, according to the prime minister's office.

Mustafa Abu Shagur, Libya's deputy prime minister, confirmed the news on Saturday on microblogging site Twitter with the following post: "Criminal Moussa Ibrahim was arrested and he is now on his way to Tripoli."

A brief statement sent to journalists after rumours that Ibrahim had been detained spread on social networking sites said: "Moussa Ibrahim was arrested at a checkpoint in the town of Tarhuna.

"[He] is being taken to Tripoli where he will be handed over to the pertinent authorities to begin questioning."

Al Jazeera's Omar al-Saleh, reporting from Tripoli, said that Ibrahim was captured as he fled the town of Bani Walid, a former Gaddafi stronghold.

"The town of Bani Walid has been besieged for the last three weeks. Government forces and former rebels are trying to enter the city to capture wanted Gaddafi loyalists," he said.

"So the town has a reputation of being a safe haven for Gaddafi loyalists."

Rumours of Ibrahim's arrest and that of other personalities of the former regime said to be fleeing from the besieged town of Bani Walid had swirled since the morning but officials were unable to provide immediate confirmation.

Source: Al Jazeera