Latest: The National Maternity Hospital has denied cutting contact with the husband of a woman who died during surgery.

Health Minister Simon Harris has said he will "reflect seriously" on calls for an independent investigation into the death of Malak Thawley.

"I just wish I could return to my old life. The one where the love of my life was still alive and we were expecting our first child. My life after my wife’s death has been a never-ending nightmare."

Egypt’s top security body warned that the clock was ticking for a peaceful end to the stand-off over sit-ins by supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi, suggesting authorities would break up the protests unless mediation produced results soon.