The Libyan authorities have confirmed the arrest in Mauritania of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's intelligence chief.

Mauritanian security officials said Abdullah al-Senussi was detained at Nouakchott airport.

Senussi, 63, was Gaddafi's brother-in-law, and has been described as one of his most trusted aides.

He fled Libya when Gaddafi was ousted and killed last year after an uprising and months of fighting.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest last year for crimes against humanity.