Egyptian security forces backed by armoured fighting vehicles and helicopters have stormed a town known to be an Islamist stronghold outside Cairo near the Great Pyramids, coming under barrages of fire from gunmen on rooftops.

Clashes erupted early today in Cairo between security forces and supporters of Egypt’s ousted president Mohammed Morsi, killing at least 38 protesters and overwhelming field hospitals with the wounded, the Health Ministry said.

Egyptians were on edge today after supporters and opponents of ousted president Mohammed Morsi fought overnight street battles that left at least 30 dead across the increasingly divided country.