Fighting broke out between rebels and government forces in Macedonia as British troops and equipment today continued to arrive to join the massive Nato weapons collection operation.

Nato soldiers streamed into Macedonia today ahead of a key visit by a senior alliance general who will help determine whether the country is stable enough to start an effort to collect rebel weapons.

An advance party of British troops was today setting out for Macedonia to begin Nato’s reconnaissance mission in the troubled Balkan state.

A Macedonian police officer has been murdered by rebels.