Thousands of supporters of the ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi have started fresh protests in the capital, Cairo, amid fears of further clashes.
Security forces are reported to have blocked off the focal point of their demonstrations, central Ramses Square.
The protests are taking place two days after Muslim Brotherhood camps were broken up, leaving at least 638 dead.
Protests are also being held outside Cairo. Four people were reportedly killed in clashes in Ismailia.
In the wake of Wednesday’s violence, police have been authorised to use live ammunition in self-defence.
With a state of emergency still in force, BBC journalists in Ramses Square described the atmosphere as tense.
Hundreds of people gathered at a nearby mosque after the Muslim Brotherhood, which backs Mr Morsi, appealed to its supporters to demonstrate after Friday prayers in a “march of anger”.
The demonstrations are taking place under the slogan “the people want to topple the coup” – referring to the military’s removal of Mr Morsi on 3 July.
His supporters have been urged to converge on Ramses Square from a number of mosques throughout the city.
Security in the capital is tight, with many armoured personnel carriers on the streets.
Entrances to Tahrir Square, the focus of demonstrations that led to the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, were also reported to have been blocked off by the army.
State TV said the military was deploying to protect “important and vital facilities”.
Members of groups opposed to Mr Morsi – the National Salvation Front and Tamarod – are reported to have called for counter-demonstrations in response to the Muslim Brotherhood protests. There have also been calls for people to protect their neighbourhoods and churches throughout the country.
