Britain checking reports of attacks on Tripoli embassy sites

The British government is checking reports that British diplomatic premises in the Libyan capital Tripoli have been attacked by mobs, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said on Sunday.

"We are aware of reports that the British residence in Tripoli has been destroyed, and are currently investigating them. We believe that other foreign residences have been attacked as well," the spokeswoman said.

"Such actions, if confirmed, would be deplorable as the Gaddafi regime has a duty to protect diplomatic missions. This would be yet another breach of Gaddafi's international obligations."

Foreign correspondents in Tripoli, whose movements are restricted by Muammar Gaddafi's government, have been unable to visit the sites, reportedly attacked on Saturday night.

The Libyan government said on Sunday that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi survived a NATO air strike on Saturday night on a Tripoli house that killed his youngest son Saif Al Arab and three young grandchildren. Britain has been in the forefront of the international campaign against Gaddafi, including launching air strikes against his forces and calling for him to relinquish power.