Suicide attackers have detonated two car bombs near pro-government troops in the former Isis-stronghold of Sirte, killing at least eight.

Ahmed Hadia, a spokesman for troops loyal to the UN-backed government who are fighting to liberate the city, said the attack came in the western part of Sirte on Thursday.

He added that he expects the death toll to rise since many troops are badly wounded.

Mr Hadia says he believes Isis fighters from outside the city staged the attack.

Sirte is Isis’ final bastion in the country. Libyan troops have been forcing the ilitants into ever-smaller bits of territory, backed by US airstrikes.

Washington says the bombing campaign is critical, with the aim of denying Isis a safe haven in Libya.