The latest fighting is reported to be in Boni forest, which straddles the border with Somalia.

Three police officers are confirmed dead and one seriously injured, according to a statement released by the Kenyan police.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility.

The Daily Nation newspaper reports that some 200 attackers were involved in the fighting.

It quotes a local official as saying that an unknown number of villagers are also missing.

A local communication mast has been destroyed, making it hard to get accurate information from the area.

Al-Shabab has attacked Kenya several times in recent years.