World

Bin Laden compound being demolished

09:23 am on 26 February 2012

Pakistan has begun to demolish the compound where American special forces killed Osama Bin Laden in the city of Abbottabad.

The al-Qaeda leader was shot dead there in a raid by US Navy Seals in May 2011.

Residents say security forces blocked access to the site on Saturday and bulldozers were being used to destroy the outer walls of the compound.

The BBC reports a curfew is in place and residents have been asked not to leave their homes.

Floodlights were set up and the work was expected to be completed by about 3.30am - 4am on Sunday.

Officials say it was decided to demolish the compound soon after the raid on 2 May. Bin Laden is said to have lived there with his family for several years before he was killed.