Libyan army vehicles have crossed into Niger in what may be a negotiated bid by Muammar Gaddafi to seek refuge in a friendly African state.

Niger’s military plans to run the country until politicians agree on a new Constitution and are ready for fresh elections.

Mutinous troops led by an army colonel captured Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja on Thursday, and said they were suspending the Constitution.

Smoke was seen rising from the presidential palace amid heavy gunfire in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Thursday in an apparent coup attempt.