The leader of Nepal’s communist rebels today offered a month long ceasefire in the six year guerrilla war after a week of fierce fighting in which the government said hundreds of combatants have been killed.

At least 350 people have reportedly died during fierce fighting for control of a rebel stronghold in western Nepal.

Maoist rebels in Nepal have killed at least 104 soldiers and policemen last night and today in simultaneous attacks across the country, a senior army officer said.