Saif al Islam Gaddafi, the British-educated son of the former Libyan dictator, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, has been released from jail.

He had been held by Abu Bakr al-Sadiq Brigade since being captured by the rebel group in November 2011 as he tried to flee to neighbouring Niger from Tripoli.

There had been reports of Gaddafi, who was facing the death penalty, being released last year, but they were unconfirmed.

He was freed on Friday after an amnesty was agreed by the parliament based in the east of the country.

Gaddafi is understood to now be with rebels in Al-Bayda and is expected to address the country.

Ajmi al-Atiri, the commander of the brigade is due to release a statement explaining the release.