Mohammed Nabbous, founder of the internet TV channel Libya AlHurra TV, was killed today in Benghazi

Mohammed Nabbous, founder of the internet TV channel Libya AlHurra TV, was killed today in Benghazi while reporting on attacks by Colonel Gaddafi's forces.

Nabbous, known as Mo, was talking on the phone to colleagues about the asasult on the city when the connection was suddenly interrupted.

He had spent the past weeks courageously providing exclusive video coverage of dangerous developments and situations.

He was regarded as one of the few credible, independent sources of news and analysis of the rapidly deteriorating situation in the city.

Andy Carvin of NPR described him as "the face of Libyan citizen journalism."

His wife, who is pregnant, announced his death in a video on Libya Al-Hurra TV. She said through tears: "I want to let all of you know that Mohammed died for this cause and let's hope that Libya will become free...

"Let's not stop doing what we are doing until this is over. What he has started has got to go on, no matter what happens...

"Please keep the channel going and move every authority you have. They are still bombing, they are still shooting and more people are going to die. Don't let what Mo started go for nothing, people, make it worth it."

Sharon Lynch, a TV station representative, said: "He touched the hearts of many with his bravery and indomitable spirit. He will be dearly missed."

NPR's Carvin said on Twitter: "Mohammad Nabbous was my primary contact in Libya, and the face of Libyan citizen journalism. And now he's dead, killed in a firefight."