Egypt: More Clashes After Deadly Unrest

Protesters and police have clashed in Egypt for a fourth day - as shots were fired during funerals for those killed in the worst violence in the city of Port Said.

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi will address the nation on Sunday evening, state television said, after 45 people were killed in violent protests in the four days.

Thousands took part in the funeral procession after noon prayers when loud gunfire sent mourners running in several directions amid chaotic scenes.

There was no police presence at the funerals in the coastal city, where shops and businesses remained closed for a second day, state TV reported.

In Cairo, officers fired tear gas at dozens of anti-Morsi activists throwing stones near Tahrir Square - the symbolic heart of the revolt that ousted president Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

At least 32 people, including two footballers, were killed on Saturday during clashes in Port Said after a Cairo court handed down death sentences to 21 supporters of Al Masry football club.

The punishments were meted out after 74 people were killed during a stadium riot at a home match against Cairo side Al Ahly last February.

Egyptians react in Port Said to the death sentences

In Saturday's unrest, officers opened fire as protesters went on a rampage and burned tyres, angry that fans from their area were blamed for the football deaths.

Armoured vehicles and military police fanned through the streets as demonstrators attacked police stations and tried to storm the Port Said jail holding the defendants.

Some attackers used automatic weapons against officers who responded with tear gas, witnesses told the AFP news agency.

There were also scuffles with officers elsewhere, including in the capital Cairo, Alexandria and Suez.

Many Egyptians reportedly believe last year's deadly stadium riot was orchestrated either by the police or Mubarak supporters, and any verdict was likely to trigger a highly charged response.

Cairo fans, known as Ultras, had threatened violence if the court had not handed out the death penalty. They cheered outside their Al Ahly club when the verdicts were announced.

Rioters tried to overrun the Port Said prison

But in Port Said, residents were furious that people from their city were held responsible.

Hotels have asked guests to leave, fearing more violence. Residents said army troops backed by tanks and armoured vehicles have taken control of the city.

The unrest came after a day of deadly protests against Islamist President Morsi, highlighting deep political divisions in the country and long-standing tensions between police and demonstrators.

Nine people were killed on Friday, mainly in the port city of Suez, and hundreds more were injured across the nation.

In Suez on Saturday, police fired tear gas when protesters angry at the earlier deaths threw petrol bombs and stormed a police post and other governmental buildings.

Around 18 prisoners in Suez police stations managed to escape during the violence, a security source told Reuters, and 30 police weapons were stolen.

Egypt's national defence council, which is headed by President Morsi, appealed for calm and called for dialogue with "independent national figures" to agree on a plan for upcoming parliamentary elections.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton expressed "great concern" over the violence, urging the authorities "to restore calm and order" and appealing for restraint.

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