The Egyptian government says four people have been killed in clashes amid demonstrations on the third anniversary of the country’s uprising against the Mubarak dictatorship.<br /><br />Security forces fired into the air in Cairo to disperse anti-government protesters as thousands rallied in support of the army-led authorities.<br /><br />Witnesses said police also fired tear gas and birdshot at demonstrators near Tahrir Square.<br /><br />A number of people were arrested. The protesters included supporters of the banned Muslim Brotherhood and also secular people.<br /><br />Early on Saturday a bomb exploded near a Cairo police academy. The interior ministry said no-one was hurt.<br /><br />A group inspired by al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for four bomb attacks on Friday that killed six people.<br /><br />The day also claimed another 15 victims amid demonstrations in favour of deposed President Mohamed Mursi.<br /><br />Amid tight security ahead of anticipated rallies from rival groups, reports said five soldiers had been killed in a helicopter crash as they tackled Islamist insurgents in the Sinai peninsula.<br /><br />Instead of commemorating Mubarak’s overthrow, the Tahrir Square demonstration became a show of support for Egypt’s army chief General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, who toppled Mursi following mass protests against his rule last year.
