Egypt’s ruling military and the revolutionaries who demand they immediately step down battled for a third day in the streets on Sunday – and competed fiercely for the support of a broader public that has grown tired of turmoil since the fall of Hosni Mubarak 10 months ago.

Egypt’s civilian cabinet offered to resign after three days of violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Tahrir Square – but the action failed to satisfy protesters deeply frustrated with the new military rulers.

Egyptian army troops and police have launched a major assault to evict protesters from Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Another bout of heavy gunfire and clashes erupted around dusk tonight in the Cairo square at the centre of Egypt’s anti-government chaos.