Dead bodies on the streets and hospitals overwhelmed as rebels battle government in DR Congo city of Goma

Congolese government troops deploy outside Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo - (AP)

Dead bodies litter the streets of eastern Congo’s Goma city after heavy explosions and gunfire were heard amid intensifying battles between Rwanda-backed rebels and pro-government forces.

Health workers have been shot at and hospital patients, including babies, have been caught in the crossfire, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, as hospitals in the city are overwhelmed by hundreds of people with gunshot, mortar and shrapnel wounds.