10 killed in clashes between pro and anti-Morsi protesters

At least 10 people were killed and over 80 injured in deadly clashes across Egypt between supporters and opponents of ousted president Mohamed Morsi as pressure grew on the country's new leadership to release the Islamist leader.

Clashes broke out yesterday when Morsi supporters en route to the US embassy attacked anti-Morsi protesters in nearby Tahrir Square. Rocks were exchanged as well as gunshots. One person died and at least 23 were injured during the violence.

Six people were killed in an area near Cairo University in Giza while three were killed in Qalioubiya governorate and Tahrir Square.

From the 86 injured, 12 people suffered minor injuries and were released from multiple hospitals, while 74 are still being treated, El-Khatib said in an official statement.

The military ousted Morsi, 61, on July 3 following days of massive street protests by millions of Egyptians demanding that the Islamist president step down.

His supporters are calling for his reinstatement and insist they won't join the military-backed political process until then.

The clashes late that night saw the use of birdshot, gunfire and molotov cocktails, witnesses said.

Police then intervened, firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The Muslim Brotherhood, the group from which Morsi hails, blamed "thugs" and police for the deaths.

The family of Morsi yesterday accused the powerful military of "abducting" the Islamist leader and vowed to take legal action against the army chief.

Morsi has been held at an undisclosed location, without charge, since being ousted from power on July 3.

About 100 people have died in violence since Morsi's removal.

Several countries, including the United States, have called for Morsi's release.

Earlier in the day, Adly Mansour, Egypt's interim president, renewed appeals for reconciliation.

"We want to turn a new page in the country's book with no hatred, no malice, no division," he said in a pre-recorded speech that also highlighted the importance of the army in Egypt's history.