One dead in Cairo police clash

An alleged squatter has been killed

Egyptians shout slogans against the government during the funeral of Syed Tafshan, who died in clashes with residents of the Nile island of al-Warraq island, when security forces attempted to demolish illegal buildings, in the south of Cairo, Egypt July 16, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
Powered by automated translation

One person has been killed in Cairo during a clash between police and alleged squatters on an island in the River Nile.

Police went to demolish buildings that had allegedly been constructed illegally in the the Egyptian capital.

They were met with resistance and let off tear gas in response.

The police say they were fired at, but locals say the victim was fatally shot.

More than 30 police officers and 19 locals were injured.

The operation to demolish the buildings has been halted.

The local residents, many of whom are poor, believe there are plans to build a luxury resort on al-Warraq Island.

Residents told AFP news agency they had not received advance warning about the move.

Much of the housing in the area is believed to be "informal" (built illegally), lacking amenities such as clean water and a proper sewage system.

Egypt's interior ministry say local people fired shotgun pellets and throw stones at police.