Increased violence in Ivory Coast's main city

There are increased fears that Ivory Coast's protracted political stalemate may be reaching boiling point.

Violence in the commercial capital Abidjan escalated on Monday with heavy gunfire in one area close to the home of the head of the army, General Philippe Mangou.

A presenter on state television said the army had foiled an attack by what it called 'terrorists' in the neighbourhood of Yopougon.

This is an area seen as one of the key bases of support for incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo, who the UN and AU have asked to step aside in favour of his rival, Alassane Ouattara.

The BBC's John James is in Abidjan and he gave Network Africa's Paul Bakibinga an update.