Clashes amid rival demo in Cairo

This Reuters file photo shows supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood clash with anti-Morsi protesters during a march in Shubra street in Cairo.

Gunshots and tear gas have been fired at rival demonstrations in the Egyptian capital Cairo, on the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

The clashes between pro- and anti-government forces are in the west of the city, with security forces trying to keep both sides apart, reports say.

Egypt remains polarised after the military deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in July.

Earlier, a Muslim Brotherhood supporter was killed in clashes with police.

At least two other people were injured in the fighting in the town of Delga about 300km south of Cairo, according to reports quoting a medical official and witnesses.

'CRITICAL TIME'

Security forces and armoured vehicles were deployed in Egyptian cities, as events were held to commemorate the October 1973 war, known as the Yom Kippur war in Israel.

Hundreds of people converged on Cairo's Tahrir Square, as military jets in formation flew overhead. The government is planning a grand display of military hardware.

The BBC correspondent at Dokki in the west of Cairo reported clashes between pro- and anti-government forces.

He described people running for cover as gunshots and tear gas were fired in to the crowd.