The authorities in Nepal say eleven suspected Maoist rebels have been killed in renewed clashes with police in the remote western hill districts of Rolpa and Jajarkot.

A poice spokesman said three other people, including a policeman were also killed.

Twelve suspected rebels died in similar clashes earlier this week.

Correspondents say police action has increased in western districts where the rebels are active, in advance of forthcoming village council elections.

The elections were postponed last year after they were disrupted by the rebels.

Around four-hundred people have been killed since Maoist rebels launched a violent campaign nearly two years ago to create a Communist republic in Nepal.