Muammar Gaddafi was killed on Thursday during an attack by NTC fighters on Gaddafi's home town of Sirte.

Acting Prime Minister, Mahmoud Jibril, announced the death and confirmed that Gaddafi had been caught alive, but stated he had died of bullet wounds on route to hospital.

Video footage of his last moments have been broadcast across the world.

Leaders across the world have welcomed his demise as the beginning of a 'free Libya'.

Extracts from statements by leaders have been reproduced below.

See statements in full here.
 

US President Barack Obama

"For four decades, the Gaddafi regime ruled the Libyan people with an iron fist. Basic human rights were denied, innocent civilians were detained, beaten and killed. Libya's wealth was squandered. The enormous potential of the Libyan people was held back and terror was used as a political weapon."

"There will be difficult days ahead but the United States, together with the international community, is committed to the Libyan people."

"You have won your revolution and now we will be a partner as you forge a future that provides dignity, freedom and opportunity."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

"All Libyans must be able to recognise themselves in the nation's government and leadership. The high hopes sustained through the long days of revolution and conflict must translate into opportunities and justice for all."

British Prime Minister David Cameron

"I pay tribute to the bravery of the Libyans who've helped to liberate their country. We will help them, we will work with them."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

"We hope that there will be peace in Libya, and that all those who are governing the state, different representatives of Libyan tribes, will reach a final agreement on the configuration of power and Libya will be a modern democratic state."

China

China, who is yet to officially comment on the news, is understood to be seeking contracts with Libya's new leaders for access to Libyan mineral resources.

India

Indian foreign minister, SM Krishna, in a joint statement with French foreign minister, Alain Juppe said,

"The two countries support the efforts of the National Transitional Council, representing the Libyan people as a whole, to establish democratic institutions in a free Libya, to promote human rights, and to rebuild their country after the sufferings they have endured."