Tensions heighten in Nepal

A curfew was imposed in Katmandu in advance of King Dipendra’s funeral today.

Rubber bullets, tear gas and, in one instance, even live rounds were fired by police to disperse the agitated crowds.

Police vans with loudspeakers went around the centre of the city telling thousands of demonstrators that the curfew would be strictly enforced and to stay indoors.

Tens of thousands of people were packed along the route of the funeral procession.

The capital had been tense all day as organised bands of people with shaved heads shouted slogans demanding justice for the murders of the royal family.

There were processions of motorcycles cruising the city streets also shouting slogans, many of them against the new king and his son, Paras.

Taxis, mini-vans and lorries had been commandeered and going around town full of protesters.

Civil servants and senior officials were jeered as they headed to the funeral.