Supporters of Egyptian president clash with opposition

Thousands of supporters of the Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, forced their way into Tahrir Square in Cairo on Wednesday and clashed with pro-democracy protesters in the latest turmoil to hit the country, The Sunday Morning Herald reported.

The protesters, who have made Tahrir Square the epicentre of their anti-government demonstrations, said secret police were among the Mubarak supporters who took over the square.

The Mubarak supporters, armed with sticks and knives, poured into the square while security services watched.

The leaders of the popular uprising that has brought Egypt to a standstill have given Mubarak until tomorrow to quit office or face the wrath of the people.

Mubarak had sought to regain control of Cairo's streets after at least a million people nationwide demonstrated against his rule on Tuesday.

The army said protesters in Tahrir Square should return to their homes, according to a statement by a military spokesman on state television. The military also announced a reduction in curfew hours.

Ghada Nabil, a journalist at the government-aligned newspaper Al Ahram, said the President's promise was meaningless. ''He's been lying to his people for 30 years. There is absolutely no reason to trust him now,'' she said.

''I want him arrested and put to trial for the hundreds of people his police have murdered in the past week including at least 19 children,'' she said.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, welcomed Mr Mubarak's pledge not to contest elections, but stopped short of saying he should step down