Supporters of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have taken over Bani Walid after fierce fighting with troops from the ruling authorities.

The fighting began around 11:00 local time on Monday at a military base of the National Transitional Council, a former NTC official of Bani Walid who gave his name as Hamza told Xinhua.

Four soldiers from the NTC troops died in the fighting, and 20 others have been wounded in the fighting, the source said.

Gaddafi's supporters have taken over the whole city of Bani Walid, the source added.