Explosions near Kathmandu hotel

The security forces are patrolling the streets of Kathmandu

At least three bombs have gone off near a top hotel in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, police say.

There are no reports of casualties following the blasts, which occurred in quick succession near the Soaltee Crowne Plaza.

The authorities suspect Maoists of carrying out the attack, after the hotel defied a rebel warning to close.

The rebels have ordered leading businesses to shut indefinitely as part of efforts to pressure the government.

The move is in protest at the alleged exploitation of workers, the Maoists say.

Correspondents say the Soaltee Crown Plaza may have been targeted because Nepal's royal family has shares in it.

Blockade threat

Earlier on Monday, the authorities said security had been stepped up in the capital ahead of the rebel deadline.

The rebels have also threatened to block roads linking Kathmandu with the rest of the country with effect from Wednesday, in protest at the alleged repression of their supporters by government forces.

They have been engaged in an armed struggle since 1996 to replace the monarchy with a communist republic.

Nine thousand people have died in violence between the rebels and the security forces since then.

Violence has risen sharply after peace talks broke down last year.