Libya: UK Apache helicopters used in Nato attacks

They attacked and destroyed two military installations, a radar site and an armed checkpoint near Brega, the Captain of HMS Ocean told the BBC.

The Apaches are understood to have faced incoming fire.

French Gazelle helicopters also took part in simultaneous attacks on different targets in Libya for the first time.

On Wednesday, Nato extended its mission in Libya by 90 days.

The former head of the Army, Lord Dannatt, said: "It's an intensification, and it's an inevitable intensification. If you pick up the words from when President Obama was visiting, what we've heard the prime minister say, we don't want to let this thing linger on any more than we absolutely have to.

"The mission under UNHCR 1973 is quite clear, it's to protect people but of course the implied task, and let's be absolutely open and honest about it, is the removal of Colonel Gaddafi."

The BBC's defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said: "The Captain of the HMS Ocean reported that those targets had been successfully destroyed and both Apaches returned to their base on HMS Ocean."

"This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters," said Lt Gen Charles Bouchard, Commander of Operation Unified Protector.

"We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions."

A Ministry of Defence statement said: "UK Apache Attack Helicopters have taken part in coordinated operations over Libya as part of Nato's Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians under UNSCR 1973. All of the aircraft recovered safely to HMS Ocean. Further details of the operation will be released in due course."