UN forces were attacked as they forced Serb demonstrators from an occupied court today sparking a running battle as they faced rocks, grenades and bullets.

Kosovo took another step towards announcing its independence today by creating a government office to handle the concerns of Serb minorities.

Nato-led peacekeepers stepped up security and took extra precautions to prevent intimidation of voters taking part today in the first province-wide ballot since Nato and the United Nations took control over Kosovo.