Fresh clashes in Moluccas

Thousands have fled Ambon because of the violence

Fighting has broken out again between Muslims and Christians in the Moluccan islands in eastern Indonesia.

Four men were killed and several homes burnt down in a district of Ambon, Indonesia's state news agency Antara reported.

Both Christians and Muslims were believed to be among the victims.

Troops broke up two rival groups who had attacked each other with spears and arrows.

A doctor at Halong naval base hospital told AFP news agency that some of the victims were being treated there.

"One unidentified Muslim was admitted here earlier this morning with his head almost completely severed.

"We are also treating three other people who suffered gunshot wounds," he said.

Dr Komang said his patients had told him the incident had been started by an attack from members of the Muslim militant "Jihad Force" on a speedboat.

However, he said this had yet to be confirmed officially.

'Holy war'

Since the start of the year, thousands of people have died in sectarian fighting in the Moluccan islands - one of the few regions in the largely Muslim archipelago where Christians are in a majority.

Soldiers had to break up a fight in which spears and arrows were used

The fighting has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee to other islands and provinces.

The extremist Lashkar Jihad group has been accused of being behind the recent violence.

The group has a training camp near the Indonesian capital Jakarta where it reportedly receives support and backing.

It is believed that about 2,000 Lashkar Jihad members arrived in the Moluccas in May to wage a "holy war".