Latest Cairo clashes leave seven dead, hundreds injured

Clashes between police and supporters of Egypt’s ousted president have left at least seven people dead, officials said today.

At least 261 people were injured in the violence that broke out late last night and carried on into the early morning hours of today in four different locations in the capital, Cairo, the health ministry said.

Thousands of supporters of Mohammed Morsi, who was overthrown by the military, were protesting to press their demands that he be reinstated as president.

Egypt’s military deposed Mr Morsi on July 3 after days of mass street protests calling for him to step down. His supporters say he was removed by a military coup that overturned democratic rule.

Security officials said four of the dead were killed in clashes between Morsi supporters staging a sit-in near the main Cairo university campus and residents of the area.

The violence, which was focused in the centre of the city, saw protesters pelt police with rocks and firebombs. The police fired volleys of tear gas. The Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which Mr Morsi hails, said police used birdshot and live ammunition.

The bloodshed comes a week after army troops and police killed more than 50 Morsi supporters. Egypt’s state news agency said 17 policemen were injured in the violence, and 401 people have been arrested in relation to the clashes.

In the wake of the army move against Mr Morsi, the new military-backed administration has moved swiftly against the Brotherhood, detaining several senior leaders over accusations that included inciting violence and killing protesters. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for the group’s leader, Mohammed Badie, and at least 13 other prominent Islamists.