National emergency declared in Egypt

Egypt has declared a month-long state of emergency after 149 people were killed and 1,403 others injured when security forces stormed protest camps in Cairo.

The camps had been occupied by supporters of former president Mohammed Morsi, with the state media now reporting security forces were in control of the two main camps.

Conflicting reports on the actual number of people killed have emerged: while the health ministry say 149 were killed, Muslim Brotherhood - author of the protests - said more than 2,000 had died.

Among those killed was a Sky News cameraman, Mick Deane.

Soon after the state of national emergency was declared, the office of interim President Adly Mansour gave the army leave to do whatever was necessary to clear away supporters of ousted leader Morsi.

Reports are now emerging that interim Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei has resigned over the violence that has ensued during the course of today.

Meanwhile, the Maltese Government has expressed its sorrow over those injured and killed and condemned the violence. It also said the government had always supported peaceful protests, used as a democratic weapon in full respect of national security.

"It is disappointing that diplomatic interventions seeking a peaceful solution did not leave the desired results," the government said in a statement issued this evening.

The Maltese government urged against the use of excessive force.

"Violence and use of weapons do not lead to solutions," it said, urging diplomatic discussions among all stakeholders to take place.

It went on to pledge its "full support" in seeing Egypt regain its peace.