7 dead in fresh clashes between police, Morsi supporters

At least seven people were killed here in the capital as supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi clashed with police, taking the death toll to over 100 in continuing violence since the army ousted the Islamist leader.

The Egyptian Ministry of Health today said the death toll from overnight clashes in different parts of Cairo was seven in addition to 261 injured.

The clashes occurred between security forces and supporters of Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president who was ousted by the army two weeks ago.

Nineteen people were wounded in clashes in the central Ramses area near Tahrir Square and on the main bridges over the Nile, emergency services chief Mohammed Sultan said.

Another three people were wounded in clashes in adjacent Giza, while four policemen were admitted to hospital after the clashes in Cairo last night.

The violence comes as US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, the highest American official to visit Egypt following Morsi's ouster, urged Egyptian leaders yesterday to engage in dialogue and end violence, saying the country has a "second chance" at democracy.

Burns met interim leaders but was snubbed by rival groups, including Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.

He assured US support to democratic process in Egypt, saying Washington wants the Arab nation to be strong, democratic and tolerant.

Burns earlier held talks with Egypt's interim president and prime minister-designate.

He also met members of armed forces, representatives of political parties, NGOs, activists, religious figures and businessmen.

Burns condemned the violence, saying the US denounces the sectarian strife and urges security forces to exercise the highest degree of self-restraint.

Morsi's overthrow after massive nationwide protests demanding his resignation has plunged Egypt into turmoil.