The attack ended after about two hours, but sporadic shooting has been heard in the city.

Members of the military junta have suggested the attack was ordered by opponents of General Guei in next month's presidential elections - a claim vehemently denied by the general's main opponent.

Shooting began around the presidential residence in the Plateau part of the city shortly before dawn.

General Guei told a news conference: "Some young military people were more or less invited by certain people who are known to me to make an attempt on my life."

He said he had had prior knowledge of the attack.

Military and paramilitary forces were on the streets in large numbers on Monday morning, checking identity papers.

Sporadic bursts of gunfire could be heard in mid-morning in the Cocody district near General Guei's residence and one person in a home in the area was wounded by a stray bullet.

Two loud explosions were heard at one point.

Tension has been rising in Ivory Coast because of moves to prevent former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, General Guei's main opponent, from standing in the election.

Mr Ouattara's opponents say he is a national of neighbouring Burkina Faso and so ineligible to stand, but he maintains he is Ivorian.

Angry response

On Sunday General Guei gave a speech threatening to take action against Mr Ouattara.

Ivory Coast - Key dates

1960: Independence from France Oct 95: Presidential elections 24 Dec 99: General Guei ousts civilian President Henri Konan Bedie 28 Dec 99: Guei promises to restore constitutional rule 4 July 2000: Hundreds of soldiers mutiny over pay 23-24 July 2000: New constitution approved by referendum 22 October 2000: Presidential election due

A spokesman for Mr Ouattara angrily rejected suggestions that the former prime minister was behind the attack.

Divisions have also been growing among Ivorian soldiers, who werepromised large bonuses in exchange for supporting the coup that toppled the government of former PresidentHenri Konan Bedie and brought General Guei to power.

There have been two military mutinies since the coup, as the junta's initial burst of popularity waned.

During the last mutiny, in early July, soldiersdemanded housing bonuses worth $9,000 but eventuallyagreed to a sum of $1,600. Only a fraction of thatamount has been paid.