Russia has stepped up its attacks on Chechen rebels amid accusations from human rights groups that its tactics amount to warcrimes.

Russian forces have intensified their attacks since a self-imposed weekend lull in fighting, using airpower to batter rebel positions.

Ground troops have been battling to regain control of towns after being surprised by a rebel counter-offensive, which took advantage of the Russian's temporary ceasefire.

Russia's response to the counter-attack has included restricting the movement of alll Chechen males aged between 10 and 60 - human rights groups say all civilians must be allowed to escape the fighting.

On the outskirts of the capital, Grozny, soldiers have been able to find some respite from the fighting.

Those civilians that have managed to escape to refugee camps find themselves living in overcrowded, badly-heated tents or railway cars.