Two people, including a police officer, have been killed in western Nepal in clashes between the security forces and Maoist rebels.

Correspondents say the rebels have stepped up their activities since the Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, visited the area last week.

Mr Koirala has said that he intends to discuss the rebel problem with the country's main political parties.

The rebels are fighting against the authorities to set up a communist republic in Nepal.