Clashes between Iraqi security forces and militants killed 59 people in Mosul on Saturday, as heavy fighting in the northern city entered its second day.

Clashes between Iraqi security forces and militants killed 59 people in Mosul on Saturday, as heavy fighting in the northern city entered its second day, officials said.

The dead comprised 21 police and 38 militants, a police lieutenant colonel and a mortuary employee said.

Fighting broke out in Mosul on Friday morning and continued into the night, while twin suicide bombings targeted a minority group east of the city and soldiers shot dead suicide bombers to its south.

At least 36 people were killed in Friday's violence in Mosul and elsewhere in Nineveh province.

Saturday's deadly fighting came as gunmen took students and staff hostage at Anbar University in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, prompting an assault by security forces to free them.

Militants have stepped up their attacks in recent days.

More than 900 people were killed last month, according to figures separately compiled by the United Nations and the government. So far this year, more than 4,400 people have been killed, according to AFP figures.