Colonel Muammer Gaddafi’s 41-year rule over Libya was collapsing as rebel forces advanced deep into the capital, capturing his son, Seif al-Islam.

As jubilant crowds filled Green Square at the heart of Tripoli on Sunday night, the rebels said they would grant safe passage to Col Gaddafi and his family if they agreed to leave the country, claiming he had called for talks with the leader of the National Transitional Council amid reports that his presidential guard surrendered to rebel forces.

But amid celebrations in Tripoli and the rebel capital of Benghazi, Col Gaddafi maintained a defiant posture until the end. In an audio message on state TV, he called on all Muslims and Libyan tribes to march on the city to prevent themselves becoming servants to imperialists and traitors.