“The targeting policy of NATO and the alliance is absolutely clear. It is in line with the UN resolution 1973 and it is about preventing a loss of civilian life by targeting Qaddafi’s war-making machine, so that is obviously tanks and guns, rocket launchers, but also command and control as well,” Cameron told BBC television.

“It is about targeting command and control rather than particular individuals,” he said, adding that he would not comment on an “unconfirmed report” of a son and three grandchildren of Qaddafi being killed in a NATO air strike.