Violent clashes surround Egyptian presidential palace

Protesters threw Molotov cocktails inside the presidential compound The Egyptian presidency has held opposition forces responsible for continuing violence, currently surrounding the Ittiyihada palace in Cairo, accusing them of incitement to protest .Security forces would move “decisively to use force” against vandalism and attacks on the presidential building.
Demonstrators attacked the compound with volleys of Molotov cocktails, stones and fireworks as the Republican Guard responded with teargas and water cannons to disperse clashes.
Security forces meanwhile fired warning shots in attempts to quell the violence.
Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Ahmed Aref denied that Muslim Brotherhood supporters were planning to organise counter-demonstrations at the Ittiyihada or in Tahrir Square.
Seven protesters were injured outside the Shepherd Hotel, close to Cairo’s Corniche, after security forces intensified their presence there.
A presidential statement, published via social networking site Facebook, argued that violence had nothing to do with the principles of the revolution, meanwhile calling on opposition supporters to leave the vicinity of the Ittiyihada immediately.
Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil also took to Twitter to demand opposition groups condemn “rioters.”
Republican Guard commander, Brigade Staff Mohamed Ahmed Zaki, meanwhile appealed to demonstrators to leave the presidential palace area as clashes intensified, resulting in several casualties.
Egyptian security forces used water cannon and fired warning shots as protesters threw stones and petrol bombs into the grounds of the Ittiyihada, setting alight one of the building’s balconies.
Political groups including the April 6 Movement withdrew from the area in response to the escalating violence.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood demanded all opposition forces withdraw from demonstrations that have dominated cities across the country throughout Friday.