40 killed, scores injured as Egyptian forces storm pro-Morsi protest camps

At least 40 people were killed and hundreds injured on Wednesday when Egyptian security forces, backed by bulldozers, stormed two makeshift camps filled with ousted President Mohammed Morsi's supporters.

However, the Muslim Brotherhood claimed that 300 died in the "massacre".

The interior ministry issued a statement saying security forces were taking "necessary measures" against the protesters, who want Morsi reinstated, at the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque in the east of Cairo and the protest in Nahda Square.

According to the ministry 200 people have been arrested, including 50 in the Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in in Nasr City and 150 at the Nahda Square sit-in in Giza.

Live footage from Cairo this morning showed smoke engulfing Nahda Square, which was later completely cleared, and there were reports of tear gas and birdshot being used on supporters of Morsi.

Bulldozers were said to have been used to uproot the camps that had been in place after 62-year-old Morsi was ousted by the military on July 3.

Al Jazeera quoting sources on the ground reported at least 40 fatalities, while the Muslim Brotherhood said at least 300 people had been killed, with more than 5,000 others injured.

However, the Health Ministry said at least nine people had been killed, including three members of the security forces, and 78 injured.

Earlier, police cut off side streets, bursts of gunfire were heard and bulldozers and armoured cars were seen moving in. Security forces fired tear gas and helicopters flew overhead.

The statement from the Interior Ministry said a safe exit would be provided for protesters and they would not be pursued, "except those who are wanted by the prosecution".

The interior ministry is keen "not to shed any Egyptian blood", the statement said. Large plumes of smoke rose over parts of the city as the operation to clear the camps continued.

At least one member of the security forces is among the dead, media reports said. Muslim Brotherhood TV called for people to send cars to the sit-ins to take casualties to hospital.

In response to the security operation, the Muslim Brotherhood urged Egyptians to take to the streets to "stop a massacre".