Gbagbo's forces attack Ouattara's Ivory Coast base

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Ivory Coast incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo have stepped up a counter-attack on presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara by firing on his hotel headquarters in Abidjan.

Residents near the presidential palace and Gbagbo's residence where he is said to be holed up with his family, close advisers and about a thousand-strong militia, said they heard heavy cannon fire and gunfights late on Sunday afternoon.