'At least' 38 dead in Cairo clashes

At least 38 supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi have been killed near a Cairo demonstration following clashes with security forces, a doctor at a field hospital said.

Yehia Mikkia said today that the total number killed in the overnight clashes is likely to be higher.

Many casualties were transported to hospitals outside the sit-in, where the protesters have been camped for more than three weeks. He said hundreds were wounded.

The clashes started after police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of Morsi supporters who tried to extend the sit-in in eastern Cairo.

They came hours after millions took to the streets answering a call from the head of the army, who said he wanted a mandate to stop “potential terrorism” by Morsi supporters.