Seven killed in Cairo clashes, cabinet sworn in

Seven people have been killed in Cairo in overnight clashes between security forces and supporters of Egypt’s ousted “President” Mohammed Morsi.

Police used tear gas to drive back protesters, some hurling rocks, who had blocked a main route in the capital.

Meanwhile, the first cabinet to take office since Morsi was ousted has been sworn in in a televised ceremony.

Monday’s battles erupted after hundreds of protesters, mostly members of “Muslim Brotherhood” movement, blocked the Sixth of October bridge, a major route over the Nile and through the capital, and the nearby Ramses Square, a transport hub.

Police fired tear gas to try to break up the blockade. Protesters responded by throwing stones. Other clashes broke out in the Giza district, in the south-west.

The head of Egypt’s emergency services, Mohamed Sultan, said two people had died on or around the bridge and five in Giza.

State media quoted health ministry official Khaled al-Khatib as saying 261 people were injured in the clashes, which lasted into the early hours of Tuesday. Mr Khatib said 124 people were still in hospital.

Mr Sultan said security personnel were among the casualties.

State media later quoted officials as saying 401 people had been arrested for “provoking unrest”.

M.D