Violent clashes spread as thousands flee

Fighting between government and dissident forces is spreading in Liberia's troubled northern Lofa County, on the border with Guinea.

The United Nations says the clashes, which include heavy shelling, have displaced at least 60,000 people in all - about 15,000 of them in the past three weeks.

Government forces in Salayea district, on the southern edge of Lofa County, have come under fierce attack and dissident forces have regained control of Zorzor, a border town.

Hostilities broke out in the county late last year.

Liberia accuses Guinea of backing the insurgents, while Guinea says Liberia is supporting rebels from neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinean dissidents who have launched cross-border attacks on its territory.

The Liberian government is accusing Guinea of intensifying long-range artillery attacks and aerial bombing raids in northern Liberia.

The Guinea government has not responded to the accusations.