Forces loyal to the internationally recognised president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, have made significant advances in the country's main city, Abidjan, in an effort to oust the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to step down.

Overnight Mr Ouattara's forces said they had seized control of Mr Gbagbo's residence, as well as attacking camps for his troops (pictured here), and were looking for Mr Gbagbo himself.

Earlier, Mr Ouattara's forces massed on the outskirts of Abidjan, poised for a "final push" against Mr Gbagbo, who has refused for several months to leave office.

Witnesses say the city remains tense and UN employees have been ordered to take refuge. This pro-Ouattara fighter is adorned with traditional hunters charms.

Pro-Ouattara soldiers swept into Abidjan last week, having taken control of almost all of the country.

The UN estimates as many as 50,000 members of Mr Gbagbo's security forces deserted or defected in the hours after pro-Ouattara troops arrived.

Residents in Abidjan barricaded themselves inside their homes or trying to flee to safety as the city awaited the expected final battle.

French troops have secured Abidjan airport so commercial flights can evacuate foreign citizens. However, pro-Gbagbo supporters says they are an "occupying force".

Both sides are also backed by militia fighters - including mercenaries from neighbouring Liberia - who have resorted to widespread looting. Pro-Gbagbo militiamen are seen here walking through the streets of Plateau, a central neighbourhood of Abidjan.

This man is one of hundreds wounded and killed in the fighting. It is unclear if Mr Ouattara's soldiers - standing by - were responsible for his injuries.