French troops enter centre of Abidjan

French ground troops have entered the centre of the main Ivory Coast city of Abidjan.

On Sunday, UN and French helicopter gunships began a new operation to destroy heavy weapons near leader Laurent Gbagbo's residence in Abidjan.

French helicopter strikes have partially destroyed the residence of Mr Gbagbo, one of his aides said.

The strikes came after a hotel serving as the base of UN-recognised president Alassane Ouattara came under fire.