Nepal rebels kill policeman

The authorities in Nepal say one policeman has been killed, six others injured and 10 more officers have been abducted by Maoist rebels after a police station was attacked in the district of Ramechhap.

The incident occurred less than a week after 41 policemen died and several others were kidnapped in separate incidents in western Nepal.

Nine rebels also died.

There has been an upsurge in Maoist violence ahead of Thursday's general strike.

It was called by the rebels who claim last month's palace massacre, in which King Birendra and several royal family members were killed, and the ensuing enquiry which blamed Crown Prince Dipendra, was part of a conspiracy.

They are also protesting against sweeping powers given to the authorities to arrest people on suspicion of a crime.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service