Egypt extends state of emergency for two months

Egypt is extending its state of emergency for a further two months.

The president's office said the decision had been taken because of the security situation.

The current state of emergency was introduced in August after hundreds died following the clearing of protest camps set up in support of the ousted Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi.

A separate decision will be made on the night-time curfew which is in effect in parts of the country.

The violence which rocked the Arab world's most populous country last month has largely subsided, but a failed assassination attempt on the interior minister has recently reinforced government concerns.

Egyptians lived under a state of emergency - which gives extra powers to the security services - for more than three decades, until President Mubarak was forced from power two years ago.

Mr Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president, was ousted by the army in July following widespread protests against his rule. A military-backed government has now taken charge.