An aircraft specially chartered by the UK government is due to leave Cairo for the Britain today carrying 220 people escaping escalating violence in Egypt.
At least three anti-government protesters were reported to have been shot dead early this morning (Thursday) after gunfire rained down on Cairo’s Tahrir Square – the focal point of the protests.
The latest pre-dawn violence followed yesterday’s clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak, which saw three people killed and at least 600 injured.
Supporters of the president have been involved in running battles with anti-government protesters after they refused to leave the main square following Mubarak’s pledge to step down at elections in September.
Pro-government attackers on horseback and camels charged into Tahrir Square while others rained firebombs from rooftops.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “If it turns out that the regime in any way has been sponsoring or tolerating this violence, that would be completely and utterly unacceptable.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Boeing 757 will leave Cairo for Gatwick later with more than 200 passengers expected on board. The FCO continues to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.
It recommends that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means, where it is safe to do so.
The FCO guidance includes non-essential travel to Luxor where operators laid on repatriation flights for holidaymakers yesterday. Red Sea Resorts, including Sharm el Sheikh, remain calm.
“However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should stay in touch with your tour operator,” the FCO said.