Large explosions have been reported in the capital of South Sudan following days of violence between rival factions that have left scores of people dead.

Battles initially broke out in Juba on Thursday between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, and those who favour vice president Riek Machar, who led rebels during a two-year conflict that began in 2013.

The UN Security Council has called for both men to rein in their forces, amid fears civil war may be reigniting.

But Mr Machar, whose home was attacked on Sunday, has cast doubt on any chances of a deal, tweeting: "In the last 2 hours, we went through heavy bombardments by Pres Kiir helicopters.

"This tells that our partner is not interested in peace."


But he added: "I urge calm and restraint throughout these skirmishes.

"I'm safe. No one should take laws in their own hands to destabilise this country."

He also said he still had hope for the future.

In the last 2 hrs, we went through heavy bombardments by Pres Kiir helicopters. This tells that our partner is not interested in peace. 2/3 — Dr Riek Machar Teny (@Drriekmachar) July 11, 2016

An aid worker in the Tomping area of Juba, which contains embassies, the airport and a UN base spoke of a "massive explosion" early on Monday.

A resident in the Gudele area reported "very heavy gunfire".

The AFP news agency said tanks and helicopter gunships had been deployed, while residents reportedly barricaded themselves inside houses.

Message to American citizens - Serious fighting between government and opposition forces in Juba is ongoing and a... https://t.co/wpR2Bmb7tE — U.S. Embassy in Juba (@USMissionJuba) July 11, 2016

In a tweet, the US embassy in Juba warned of "serious fighting between government and opposition forces".

The UN said clashes had resumed near its compound in Jebel, where 30,000 civilians have taken refuge.

UN spokeswoman Matilda Moyo said 10,000 people had been displaced by the fighting.

More than 100 have reportedly been killed.

Image: South Sudanese vice president Riek Machar speaks on TV after renewed fighting breaks out

Regional airline Kenya Airways has suspended flights to Juba, citing the "uncertain security situation".

The fighting is a fresh blow to a peace deal that has failed to end the civil war that broke out in December 2013, after President Kiir accused Mr Machar of plotting a coup.

Tens of thousands of people have died, while nearly three million have been forced from their homes.

Fighting has continued despite the establishment of a transitional coalition government last year.

Image: South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir, addresses a news conference following the renewed fighting

In a statement, the UN Security Council said the violence showed a "lack of serious commitment" to peace on both sides.

The humanitarian crisis has been accompanied by an economic one, with the currency collapsing and inflation spiralling out of control.

The world's youngest country marked its fifth independence anniversary on Saturday.