Four killed in clashes over ousted Egypt president

Cairo, July 23: Four people were killed and several dozens injured in clashes between supporters and opponents of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi.

Protestors from both sides threw rocks at one another at the Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo Monday. Gunshots also heard in the area, official reports.

"In Tahrir Square, one person was killed and 26 injured in the clashes," Mohamed Sultan, head of Egypt's Ambulance Authority, said.

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and to prevent Morsi's loyalists from reaching the US embassy.

Security forces deployed armoured vehicles in areas near the US embassy.

In Qalyubiya governorate near Cairo, two people were killed when Morsi's loyalists blocked main roads there, said Qalyubiya security chief Mahmoud Yousri.

Another victim in Qalyubiya was hit by a train while fleeing the clashes. He suffered serious fractures and died in hospital later.

Meanwhile, at least 85 people were injured Sunday night in similar clashes in northeastern Egypt's Suez governorate, the regional health ministry said.

Tear gas shells were fired in the clashes, Mohamed al-Azizy, the ministry's undersecretary said.

State-run Ahram website said 112 people were wounded in clashes in the governorate's iconic Al-Arbaeen Square.

Several victims filed police reports over the incident, accusing figures of the Muslim Brotherhood of inciting thugs and gunmen to attack the residents in Suez, said.

Tensions have escalated since Morsi was toppled by the army July 3, in response to massive protests.

IANS