Two die in Nepal 'rebel ambush'

A Nepalese soldier and a Maoist rebel have been killed in clashes in the south of the country, officials say.

Police said the ambush occurred in Sarlahi district, 90km (55 miles) south of the capital, Kathmandu. Two policemen were hurt, one critically.

The soldiers were carrying question papers for a high school examination.

The rebels have intensified attacks on government targets in recent weeks. More than 13,000 people have died in 10 years of Maoist insurgency.

The rebels want to replace the monarchy with a communist republic.