Libyan expatriates who support leader Muammar Gaddafi are plotting terrorist attacks on UK soil as a revenge for the military actions by the Western coalition in their homeland.

British daily "The Independent" reported Thursday that the security services have told ministers that they intercepted a number of conversations between UK-based Libyans suggesting revenge attacks.

The intelligence, which has been passed to NATO allies, was recorded shortly before the start of the no-fly zone, the daily reports, adding that the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera also informed that the discussions about how to support Gaddafi were held by Libyan expatriates who retain close links with their homeland.

"We must fight, we must be dedicated to give support," one man, who was under surveillance, was reported to have said, according to the publication.

Separately, a senior minister told The Independent that they had been warned about a growing terrorist threat over the longer term from pro-Gaddafi supporters based in the UK.

However, the security services have expressed doubt that any action is imminent.