Indian Maoist rebels loot bank

Maoists have been described by the Indian PM as a major security threat

Dozens of Maoist rebels have attacked a bank and a police station in the town of Sankrail in the Indian state of West Bengal, police say.

At least one police officer was killed and two were kidnapped by rebels during the raid.

The rebels stormed into the area on motorcycles in what correspondents say is the one of the most audacious Maoist attacks in the region since June.

More than 6,000 people have been killed during a 20-year Maoist insurgency.

The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless.

In Tuesday's violence, officials said the Maoists attacked the bank and looted it in broad daylight.

As bank staff called for help from a nearby police station, another Maoist group stormed the police station, killing the duty police officer.

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