Indian police say eight soldiers have been ambushed and killed by rebels in the north-eastern state of Nagaland.

Reports said the attackers opened fire on Sunday when troops stopped to fetch water from a stream. The soldiers shot back, killing one of the gunmen, according to the (BBC).

Violence in the region has escalated since the government broke off a ceasefire last month with the rebels.

The rebels have been demanding an independent homeland for India's two million Naga tribespeople.

Police said six other soldiers were injured in Sunday's attack, and four were missing.

It was the second attack by rebels on Indian soldiers in recent weeks.

Last month, the separatists claimed responsibility for the death of three soldiers in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh.