Misrata port shut after shelling--rebel spokesman

TUNIS, April 14 (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi heavily shelled the port area in Misrata on Thursday, forcing its closure, a rebel spokesman said.

"The port area was heavily shelled today and the destruction there is huge. I was there and saw for myself," the spokesman called Ghassan said by phone.

"Over 200 Grad missiles fell on the port area, including residential neighborhoods near the port. They shelled this area because the port is Misrata's only window to the outside world. The port was shut today because of the shelling."

(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; editing by Mark Heinrich)