Violence erupts in Cairo as protests spread

Seventeen people were reported killed in clashes around Egypt yesterday involving opponents and backers of ousted leader Mohammed Morsi, as well as security forces.

Supporters and opponents of the ousted president clashed hours after three pro-Morsi protesters were killed by army fire.

Tens of thousands of Islamists streamed across a Nile River bridge towards Tahrir Square in Cairo, threatening a showdown moments after the Muslim Brotherhood’s top leader defiantly spoke before a crowd of supporters, vowing to reinstate Morsi and end military rule. General Guide Mohammed Badie’s fiery speech came soon after army troops fired on a pro-Morsi rally