Deadly clashes in Egypt as state crackdown against protesters widens

Around a dozen people have been shot dead in Egypt as a state crackdown against the country’s Muslim Brotherhood widened on Friday.

Cairo saw some of the worst violence as running battles broke out between police and the Islamist group’s supporters.

Many others were injured in the clashes.

The violence in Egypt has intensified in recent days after a government decision to declare the Brotherhood a terrorist organisation.

Fighting also spread to nearby Giza.

There were ugly scenes as police attempted to break up demonstrators, a now all-too-familiar picture on Fridays after midday prayers.

The latest turmoil in Egypt comes less than two weeks before the country goes to the polls to vote on a new constitution.

In the coastal city of Alexandria, security sources said one male protester and a woman were shot dead. It was not clear if the woman was a protester or simply an onlooker.

The country’s current military rulers insist this month’s constitutional referendum will pave the way for a return to democratic rule later this year, despite giving more powers to the army.