At least 90 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Misrata, local authorities reported on Sunday.

The Fight Against Illegal Immigration Bureau said 97 Eritrean immigrants, including 22 women, were caught red-handed as they were about to launch their journey to Italy from one of the city's shores.

The Eritrean Embassy in Tripoli has been contacted to take the necessary procedures to deport them, the bureau added.

Libya is hit by a huge wave of illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan countries seeking to enter Europe.